PowWeb vs. BlueHost vs. Netfirms Website Hosting Comparison
PowWeb Website Hosting
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 in Orem, Utah, BlueHost has been providing web site hosting services for businesses and individuals since 1996. Their broad range of default options and multiple awards for customer service place them among the best service providers for several years running.
Conclusion BlueHost gets high marks for their customer service as well as the amount of online options made available for customer education and problem reconciliation. While the package they offer includes almost no customizable features, it is robust enough for just about anyone’s needs and an ideal platform into which a beginner can grow.
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.