Complete Review of HostMeHost
Network Solutions: Particularly Good for WordPress Sites
Network Solutions, which has been in business since 1979 has enjoyed a long history of success and has gained respect for its longevity. Network Solutions began registering domain names in 1993, and expanded to hosting services in 2005.
Even with that knowledge, they only cater to WordPress bloggers because of their special package for this purpose. There are other options, however they have a more expensive package and don't offer any distinguishing features. They won't be your first choice for non-Wordpress users.
Network Solutions can still be tried, but you have 30 days to cancel and receive your money back.
High Uptime and Reliability
Unix Server Guarantee, No Windows Guarantee
Network Solutions offers a 99.9% uptime warranty for Unix servers but not the same guarantee for Windows servers. This is a tactful move, and it looks suspicious to Windows users. Although the website's testing shows an almost perfect level of reliability on Windows servers as well, it can still cause concern if you aren't covered by a guarantee.
These are the features
WordPress users get some great features
Wordpress users don't get any special features, so it is not worth the effort to find something that stands out. There are no unlimited basic features like you can get from many providers. Instead, bandwidth is unlimited. Everything comes with a cap, except for the basic package. Although they do offer a domain for free with a year's hosting, it is pretty common these days.
However, there are some great options for WordPress blogs that can be easily customized.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Every Network Solutions package includes unlimited bandwidth. |
| Disk Space | Different packages have different amounts of storage space. Basic plans have 300 GB of disk space, while higher-tiered packages allow unlimited storage. |
| Website Builder | Network Solutions offers a website builder that is proprietary to them. It comes with a few templates, and limited pages. You can also add pages for a fee. |
| Email accounts | Basic packages allow for 1000 email addresses. Higher-priced tiers can accommodate more. Most users will be satisfied with 1,000 email addresses. |
| Shopping carts | Network Solutions packages do not include shopping carts, however you can buy an ecommerce account. |
| Stats | Network Solutions offers AWStats with all plans. This allows users to monitor their website traffic. |
| MySQL Databases | Although all packages contain MySQL databases, only a few are permitted on Windows servers. |
| FTP account | Network Solutions offers 25 FTP accounts with its base package. Higher priced packages can get more. |
| Multiple domains | A user can only have 100 domains. The basic plan allows you to create 3 directories. Even the most expensive plan, Unlimited, allows 10 directories. This means that each person is restricted in terms of the number and types of websites that may be built on one hosting plan. |
Assistance
Video tutorials only, no chat
Network Solutions did not offer live chat. We were disappointed. This may not be a problem if you are happy to call the number or file a ticket. The video tutorials are not the best resource for learning new things.
Pricing
Prices are high
Network Solutions charges high prices, possibly because it is well-known for its extensive history in the industry. These discounts are only valid for three months, even if there is a discount. Inconveniently, small businesses will need to open an expensive, separate e-commerce account in order to create a cyber shop.
Network Solutions offers a WordPress Blog Hosting Package at a reasonable price for WordPress bloggers.
Users Friendly
Customized user experience
Registering is simple and easy. You can also defer payments if you create a free account to test the site, then upgrade later. You won't accidentally be charged for add-ons they haven't checked. You pay a lot less for a longer term than you would with many hosts.
They use an Account Manager instead of cPanel. This acts as a hub for all product and offering offerings. It can be difficult to use this unfamiliar tool. You will soon get used to it, just like any new thing.
Network Solutions won't overwhelm you like other sites with tons of promotions.
Summary
Network Solutions, despite its experience in this space, doesn't cater to WordPress bloggers. The e-commerce restrictions will frustrate small businesses, while individual users will feel disappointed at the limitation on the number of directories allowed per account.
PROS
- Company stability/Name recognition
- Package for WordPress Streamlined at a great price
- Panel for custom control is excellent
CONS
- E-commerce is a separate business that requires a separate account
- Comparable to other products, expensive
- There is no live chat
- Complex user interface
- Hidden/discreet auto-renewal
