iPowerWeb vs. PowWeb vs. Netfirms 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.
In business since 1999, PowWeb provides its proprietary "load-balanced" web hosting platform to ensure maximum uptime for its customers. With an infrastructure entirely built, maintained and managed by in-house employees, PowWeb can ensure a high level of reliability for both individuals and businesses.
Pros
Long list of standard database, script and e-commerce options
Many user applications included free with basic package
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Online sign-up forms found to be buggy and error-prone
Basic yet full "one size fits all" package
Monthly rate increases after 12 months
Conclusion PowWeb offers an extensive range of features that should satisfy both individuals and businesses alike. Their special "load-balancing" technology ensures a high degree of uptime, and their broad array of online customer service options should provide assistance or reference for most any issue.
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.