1&1 Web Hosting Overview
1&1 enjoys a mixed reputation in the web hosting industry, with many exhibiting a love/hate relationship towards the provider. However, there are facts about this web host that simply cannot be denied.
The World's Largest Web Host
Headquartered in Germany , 1&1 is a prominent web hosting provider who likes to make the claim of being the largest web host in the world. This claim may be accurate, considering that the company has a worldwide base of customers more than 7.7 million strong. 1&1 employs more than 2,400 staff members and runs over 37,000 servers.
In 2008, 1&1 added its first datacenter outside of Germany , hosting its US facilities in Lenexa , Kansas , which was selected due to the massive number of fiber lines that run through the area.
This datacenter encompasses 55,000 square feet to house 40,000 servers. Not only does 1&1 use high-powered technology, but its infrastructure is airtight, employing 24/7 security, fire prevention systems, cooling mechanisms, and reinforced steel walls. In addition, should a power outage occur, the data center's backup generators can power all operations for six to seven days without refueling.
The proof is in the pudding, as this company has been featured in magazines and praised by industry experts. To put it simply, 1&1 is a global leader in the web hosting business, and this fact cannot be denied.
Comprehensive Web Hosting Solutions for All
1&1 offers a broad spectrum of web hosting packages that cater to individuals, small to medium sizes businesses, and demanding enterprises. Its portfolio consists of Linux hosting, Windows hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Additional products include domain registration, email hosting, and Microsoft SharePoint hosting.
Although you won't find unlimited offerings in 1&1's portfolio, each web hosting package is rich with great features. For example, you get an ample supply of disk space and bandwidth, multiple email accounts, and free domain registrations. Its Marketing Center suite features the 1&1 Advertising Package, a subscription to RatePoint, and vouchers towards Google, Yahoo and MSN marketing campaigns.
The 1&1 control panel is custom made, equipped with all the basics, along with some additional features you generally won't enjoy with other software. One is an integrated billing feature that can be accessed from the cleanly designed interface. Like most control panels, this one is packed with add-on programs that range from blogs to web stat applications. Each program has its own customizable options, providing enhanced flexibility that allows you to customize your installations.
With the exception of the managed and dedicated varieties, all of 1&1's web hosting plans come with an industry-leading 90-day money back guarantee.
Pros: 1&1 is a well-known web hosting provider that builds an excellent foundation for your site, employing great technology features and strong marketing tools. The packages are competitively priced, and the control panel is very user-friendly.
Cons: The biggest complaint against 1&1 has always been support, which isn't as responsive as other web hosting companies. This can be attributed to the fact that the company has grown to the point where it outsources support to third-party entities.
Conclusions: All in all, 1&1 is a good web host with the loyal customer base to show its reliability. However, like many large companies, it does need occasional room for improvement in the support department. |
