iPowerWeb vs. HostRocket vs. AN Hosting Website Hosting Comparison
iPowerWeb Website Hosting
iPowerWeb was founded in 2001 and specializes in the small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) market. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, iPowerWeb maintains data centers in the Boston area to provide customers worldwide with reliable e-commerce and merchant services and various marketing packages.
Pros
Long list of user-friendly and e-commerce features
Free domain information privacy option
Unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Online sign-up forms found to be buggy and error-prone
Listed rate only available on 12 or 24 month packages
Conclusion iPowerWeb was rated among the 500 fastest-growing, privately-held companies of 2006 by Inc. Magazine. Their reliable service and exceptional customer support ensures their name on industry best-of lists and recommendations from a variety of expert sources and leading publications.
Based in New York’s “Tech Valley” (Clifton Park), HostRocket has grown steadily using only private investors since their founding in 1999. They provide a variety of hosting and related services for individuals and businesses around the globe, including e-commerce functions, dedicated hosting and web site design packages.
Pros
Hosting available month by month with no contract
No data transfer or e-mail limitations
Host multiple domains through one customer account
Money-back guarantee
Cons
Additional costs for a few options otherwise included with other vendors
Must purchase 24 months in advance to get listed monthly rate
Basic yet full “one size fits all” package
Conclusion HostRocket offers a robust and feature-rich package that should satisfy almost any individual or business requirement. The variable-length term of service (with its graduated cost) is a plus not offered by every hosting service. While their list of included features is full and attractive, it does include some hidden costs that might otherwise be standard with other vendors.
AN Hosting started in 2001 as a small two-man operation in Chicago. The company grew quickly and was acquired by their parent company midPhase in 2005, which collectively operates a network of over 1000 servers. AN Hosting has a long list of awards for excellence in customer service.
Pros
Highly rated customer service, including C|Net and BBB
Large, generous limits on space quotas and transfer rates
30-day money back guarantee
99.9% uptime guarantee
Cons
Limited customizable options available
Basic yet full “one size fits all” package
Conclusion AN Hosting is a good mid-range hosting provider for the individual who knows what they want and does not require much help in their setup. At the same time, the multiple awards for customer service will benefit the new users and ensure a pleasant experience. Their ownership by midPhase Services may lead to changes in terms of service at some point in the future.