EasyCGI vs. Netfirms vs. IX Web Website Hosting Comparison
EasyCGI Website Hosting
Begun as a regional service provider in 1996, EasyCGI became a global web site hosting service in 1998. With three tiers of hosting solutions for a variety of business and customer needs, EasyCGI maintains its own data center and servers at the same facilities as their corporate offices in Pearl River, New York.
Pros
E-mail only accounts and web forwarding also available
20% discount for one-year advance purchase
30-day money back guarantee
99.9% or better uptime guarantee
Cons
Some hidden costs not included in monthly rate
Must purchase one year in advance to get listed monthly rate
Hosting is exclusively on Windows 2003/2008 servers
Conclusion EasyCGI offers a large amount of services in a variety of packages suited to the needs of a novice individual or a full commercial business. Although some details are tricky and some options are only available on more advanced packages, EasyCGI offers a reliable product with extensive online services and highly rated customer satisfaction.
Based out of Toronto, Ontario, with U.S. offices in Buffalo, New York, Netfirms was founded in 1999 with the express purpose of providing hosting solutions for small businesses. Since then, Netfirms has grown into a worldwide provider and domain name registrar and hosts more than 1.2 million web sites.
Pros
Multiple packages available for business-specific needs
Environmentally friendly policies and practices
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Pricing slightly above average; cheaper plan available
Service in 12-month terms only, no other length available
Conclusion Netfirms provides some of the best options optimized specifically for small business needs. With features not as robust as some other hosting services, some of the specific tools available through Netfirms may benefit a business just beginning with their web site. Also, with the launch of Netfirms Green, they have begun an in-house initiative to reduce their environmental footprint and energy usage.
With its own dedicated data center based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, IX Web Hosting was founded in 1999 and has experienced consistent growth ever since. Ecommerce Corporation, its parent company, operates its tech center just across from its data center and is serviced by several Tier-1 Internet backbone providers.
Pros
Multiple plans with a variety of different options and costs
No data transfer or disk space limitations
Generous free marketing options included
Any-Time money-back guarantee
Cons
Database, scripting and e-commerce options not available with basic package
Listed monthly rate only offered with several restrictions
Sign-up options may lead to additional costs
Conclusion IX Web Hosting offers a wide range of consumer packages with a variety of desirable options, including some not always offered by providers and also lacking some considered almost basic. Their dedication to customer service has won them multiple awards and recognition, and the free marketing add-ons included with even the basic package make them an attractive vendor.
