Netfirms vs. IX Web vs. AT&T Yahoo! Website Hosting Comparison
Netfirms Website Hosting
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.
AT&T® and Yahoo!® Small Business have become icons and industry giants in the telecommunications world. Their breadth of scope, professional expertise, stability and reliability are known globally and stand out from the smaller players in the industry.
Pros
Name-brand reliability, stability and confidence
Unlimited e-mail, disk space and data transfer
Well-designed user-friendly interfaces and tools
Extensive marketing partners available for businesses
Cons
Most expensive hosting plan evaluated
Service in renewable three-month terms only, no other length available
Conclusion The brand recognition for both AT&T® and Yahoo!® speak for themselves. The services are a little more expensive than most but that additional cost also comes with unparalleled reliability, corporate stability and customer service that rivals any other hosting provider. Yahoo!® services and user-friendly interfaces and tools are among the best available.
