HostMonster is a
“one-size fits all” outfit. Offering one plan,
loaded with lots of features and options, for one low price. For just
$4.95, you have access to a versatile Linux-based hosting package, with
enough gumption to tackle even larger mid-sized websites. Backed by one
of the larger hosting companies, this plan is a very good value.
But, not all is
as seems. Even though HostMonster’s package is a very good
offer, certain things must be sacrificed to enable the company to stay
afloat with this service. Sometimes, servers become a little
overcrowded and sites may slow down. Although this isn’t
commonplace, it’s not unheard of.
Although they
use rather powerful server equipment from leading manufacturers, their
oversubscription of services per machine can make things slow from time
to time. For smaller personal sites, this isn’t a problem at
all and I doubt you’d ever notice it. However, if
you’re trying to host a heavier traffic business site, going
to a more expensive or dedicated service might be a better option.
That said, the
services are still pretty speedy. They do have a quality network and
competent people. Risk of data failure is a little bit escalated over
the norm from the oversubscription of each machine, but backups are
standing by for restoration if and when needed.
Additionally,
customer service may be a bit touchy. Lower costs mean fewer staff,
thus the occasional delay may occur. One customer informed me that
after waiting over 30 minutes to have his call answered, he
wasn’t provided with any relevant information to his problem
for several more hours and a few calls later. Personally, I
haven’t seen this myself, but that’s what happens
for ultra-low priced plans.
My sister has
used HostMonster for her family site and when asked, she
doesn’t have any complaints. She’s told me that to
her, everything seems to be fine and that she hasn’t really
had any problems. Of course, being a family site, it’s not
very intensive, but still, for the price, it’s an excellent
value.
All in all,
HostMonster makes an excellent choice for a startup site where
budgetary concerns are high. Their plan is loaded with everything you
could possibly need to get a website going and for the price, you
really can’t beat it.
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