Review HostForWeb.com

[Southpar]

Since its inception in 2001, HostForWeb.com has provided Linux shared hosting, dedicated servers, collocation and reseller based hosting accounts to webmasters all over the world. But after trumping seven years, has HostForWeb.com won the trust of its large customer base?

Inside The Core of a Data Center
Located in the carrier-neutral Equinix Chicago Data Center, HostForWeb, Inc. has access to many major carriers in Chicago without the need for local loop circuits. This closeness and in-house presence gives it the added advantage of 100% up time, being able to switch without a second of downtime among AAPT, Adelphia , Ameritech , Asia Global Crossing , AT&T, etc.
This attracts both small and large customers to HostForWeb and probably explains why they are ranked #78 among popular know web host.

No Thumbs Up From the Small Guys
But this popularity may not be shared among all of HostForWeb customers. Four years of voting and reviews from Vista International, revealed that they were more inclined to provide superb services to larger clients who bought reseller or dedicated hosting packages. And while they boated of preferential treatment, small or regular hosting accounts were not so happy.

Several clients complained of slow response to their problems. One client was told to upgrade to “dedicated” if they wanted more access to support.

But HostForWeb may have taken notice and have improved their outlook. This year so far they have received 32 positive reviews and only 7 negative reviews.

Kissing Down to the Small User
The turn around is also reflective in their new price tag of $4.50 for the starter account, down from $19.99 a year ago. And although one may argue that they need to be competitive, they are popular in the Chicago area not care, if they choose.

HostForWeb is also benefiting from continued management changes and training. Seven years is a long time to come to roost on a package tailored for customers of all walks of life, and in my hosting book, they are doing that this year.

On a Path to Greatness
Despite the glamour and the strength, HostForWeb still has far to go to convince the webmaster community that it is a reliable and fair partner. A partner that will provide valuable service and support. We can recommend them as a solid host who is making the correct strides, even though at a pace we would prefer to be faster.