Host My Site

While Host My Site would be my first stop for a dedicated server I would look somewhere else for everything else. Host My Site offers few services and extras and even less options.

Hosting

Host My site offers four unique types of web hosting: personal and small business, database application, Linux, Ecommerce, and Virtual Private Server hosting.

All annual plans come with a free domain name and site designer. The sad thing is that this is where it stops. There are no options and few extras. For example if you want a personal or small business account. The account comes with front page extension, and Dreamweaver. This is the only account for personal sites and small business. There is no other choice and it is he same for the other three types of hosting as well. What other features does the account have you may wonder. NONE! For $8.95 a month webmasters have come to expect more.

The Database and Application web hosting offers ASP and .net support, Microsoft access support, Cold fusion Mix with CF builder plans, and MS SQL server with plus plans. This plan is one are where Host My Site excels. Many web hosts do not have a package for Database and Applications and the ones who do usually charge more than $11.99 a month.

With The Linux plan I was again disappointed. Webmasters know that while $8.95 a month may not seem like a lot of money there are host willing to give them more features for the same price. With the Linux package comes with Running Red Hat Enterprises ES 3.0, Cold fusion Mix with Linux Builder Plan, PHP, Perl, CGI support, JSP, and Java Server support. Again, Host My Site only gives the basics.

However simple the personal and Linux accounts, the ecommerce site at Host My Site is a winner. The plan is only $15.00 a month and can be added to any hosting package. It includes Miva Merchant Store front soft ware, simple payment gateway Integration, and templates for any type of online store.

Host My Site’s virtual private server hosting has a few nice features such as unlimited domains and total Root access. It also comes with virtvozzo based VPS technology and Intuitive control panel with plus plan. At $29.95 a month it’s not a bad deal either.

Dedicated Servers

By far Host My Site’s biggest selling point is their dedicated servers which can be customized to fit the customer’s needs. The servers can be customized with the operating system of the customer’s choice, Databases, control panels, managed backups, security patches, custom server load balancing, custom firewall configuration, and virtual private Networks. Every server customized with Windows Operating system will receive a 500 domain license to Smart Mail and Smart Stats.

Support

Host My Site has the exceptional support that you’d expect from a larger company. The servers are monitored 24 hours a day and the company is notified immediately if there is a problem. Host My Site offers a 30 day money back guarantee. Support is available 24 hours a day through an 800 number, live chat, and email.

Services

The services, though there aren’t many, are one of Host My Site’s better features. All web hosting plans come with free site design and a free domain name. For only $15.00 more a month Mirva merchant can be added to any package. Smart Mail and Smart Stats also come free with the purchase of a windows server.

Although it may seem nice to get a free site design and domain name just for signing up, I won’t be running to change my host to Host My Site anytime soon. There are web host out there willing to give customers more for their money. Before anyone signs up for Host My Site they should carefully explore their options.