PowWeb vs. Netfirms vs. AT&T Yahoo! 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 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.
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.