Final verdict
Looking over Network Solutions vs. InterServer, both providers offer solid hosting options but cater differently to user needs and preferences.
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InterServer (Overall grade: 8.1)
stands out with its strong performance metrics, advanced security features, and affordable, feature-rich plans. It excels in key areas like uptime, speed, and scalability, making it a suitable choice for those running high-traffic or multimedia websites. The inclusion of technologies like SSD caching and Cloudflare CDN ensures rapid content delivery, while their flexible upgrade paths from shared hosting to VPS and dedicated servers support growing businesses effectively. Despite some user concerns about phone support availability, InterServer’s proactive backup service and comprehensive knowledge base make it a reliable and adaptable choice for various hosting needs.
Network Solutions (Overall grade: 7.4)
offers simple and dependable hosting solutions with a strong focus on security and developer tools. It provides good uptime and reasonable speed, with features like daily malware scans and multiple SSL certificate options, ensuring a secure hosting environment. However, it falls short compared to InterServer in terms of advanced speed optimization and scalability. The user-friendly proprietary control panel and 24/7 support are beneficial, but user feedback highlights areas for improvement, particularly in customer service responsiveness and managing high costs. Network Solutions is a viable option for small businesses and individual professionals, especially those who prioritize security over ultra-fast performance.
 Overall grade:7.4 |
 Overall grade:8.1 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Uptime and Availability | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| Hosting Performance | 4.8 | 8.2 |
| Hosting Security | 7.7 | 8.3 |
| Price | 8.0 | 8.1 |
| Hosting Features | 6.5 | 6.2 |
| Ease Of Setup | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| User Management | 7.0 | 7.4 |
| Customer Support | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| User feedback | 1.9/5 | 4/5 |
Hosting types offered
Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.
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|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | ||
| Cloud hosting | ||
| WordPress hosting | ||
| Ecommerce hosting | ||
| VPS hosting | ||
| Dedicated hosting |
Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.
Detailed comparison
Uptime and availability
Evaluates the average uptime statistics, uptime guarantee and overall availability of the hosting
provider
Score Components:
- Uptime percentage (30%): evaluates the uptime statistics in given period of time
- Uptime guarantee (20%): Assesses if the platform offers an uptime guarantee and
whether the actual uptime matches the promised guarantee. - General performance (25%): Evaluates how fast is the average response time and overall
it’s stability. - Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Availability (25%): Reflects the total downtime and number of outages.
8.6
8.7
Section 1:
🏆 Winner InterServer: Exceptional uptime performance and enhanced security measures.
InterServer shows a slightly superior performance in terms of reliability and speed. Both hosting services have impressive uptimes, with InterServer slightly edging out [competitor] with a 99.99% uptime over a 3-month period compared to [competitor]’s 99.89%. This difference in uptime is reflected in the number and duration of outages, where InterServer experienced 3 outages totaling 12 minutes, while [competitor] had 5 outages totaling 2h 12 minutes.
Section 2:
Network Solutions offers a strong 99.9% uptime guarantee with recorded performance of 99.917%. Its server reliability, especially on Unix servers, is commendable. Speed performance is rated above average, making it a reliable choice. With 24/7 support and a functional, albeit less user-friendly, proprietary control panel, Network Solutions ensures dependable hosting service.
Network Solutions’ advantage is more pronounced in terms of server response time. It boasted an average response time of [response time]ms, which is significantly lower than the shared hosting industry standard and faster than InterServer’s average response time of 662ms, which can peak up to [peak time]ms. This suggests that Network Solutions is not only more reliable in maintaining uptime but also in delivering faster website loading speeds, making it a preferable option for users prioritizing performance.
Section 3:
InterServer guarantees 99.9% uptime and often exceeds it with long-term monitoring showing 99.99% uptime. Partnering with Cloudflare enhances its reliability, while proprietary caching mechanisms and InterShield Security optimize performance and security. The average server response time is 662ms, complemented by efficient route optimization and a 1.2-second typical loading time. InterServer also provides robust support for email delivery and compromised account cleanups.
Hosting performance
Score Components:
- Hosting speed (30%): This includes SSD quality, Load times, PageSpeed score ranges,
additional information on website speed, built-in plugins for performance enhancement, available caching
methods, and CPU/RAM options - CDN (20%): Considers whether CDN is available or not, whether it’s free or paid, and
the quality of the CDN service - Available data centers (30%): Evaluates the number of data centers and their locations
globally. - Scalibility (20%): Looks at whether elastic scaling is available, the process required
to scale (manual upgrade vs. automatic scaling), the presence of dedicated servers, and the costs
associated with scaling.
4.8
8.2
🏆 Winner: InterServer: Feature-rich hosting with superior performance and reliability.
InterServer outpaces Network Solutions when it comes to general performance. Both offer an impressive 99.9% uptime guarantee, but InterServer stands out with its ultra-fast web servers, SSD caching, and a route-optimized network. This hosting also provides a free Cloudflare CDN, which bolsters website speed by distributing content closer to the website’s visitors. Network Solutions offers reliable uptime as well but lacks similar speed-boosting features like SSD caching servers. InterServer’s servers are designed to never overload, maintaining a 50% server capacity utilization to support user growth seamlessly. On the other hand, Network Solutions emphasizes developer tools and malware scanning, crucial yet slightly secondary to speed.
Website Speed
InterServer’s speed optimization is evident through its ultra-fast web servers, SSD caching, and a 10GB Cisco network, making it exceptionally responsive. The free Cloudflare CDN further enhances website load times, delivering content swiftly. This host employs cutting-edge server optimization and security technology. Network Solutions provides credible performance with daily malware scans and SSL certificates for security but misses specialized speed optimization features like SSD caching and CDN. InterServer’s focus on speed ensures a snappier and more efficient web experience, critical for user retention and satisfaction.
Scalability
InterServer excels in scalability, offering flexible options like easy migration to VPS or dedicated servers without downtime. Its platform allows for seamless expansion, making it suitable for growing businesses. The costs of these upgrades were not disclosed, so checking with the provider directly will provide specific details. Conversely, Network Solutions offers flexible web hosting plans but lacks explicit details on dedicated servers or how they manage scaling operations. It’s clear that InterServer provides a more transparent and likely more efficient path for users needing to scale.
Hosting security
and regulatory requirements
Score Components:
- Technical security measures (40%): This includes encryption, firewalls, DDoS
protection, secure configurations, server monitoring, access control and availability of security addons
(e.g Sitelock security). - Operational security measures (30%): Encompasses data privacy, backups and data
redundancy. - Compliance and certifications (20%): Adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
(e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and possession of certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2). - Business and reliability (10%): Factors in the provider’s reputation, uptime
guarantees, and customer support.
7.7
8.3
🏆 Winner InterServer: InterServer distinguishes itself with advanced security features and versatility that exceed expectations.
Technical security measures:
InterServer provides free SSL certificates, while Network Solutions offers a range of SSL certificates with varying levels of validation and guarantees. InterServer supports multiple PHP versions, including up to PHP 8.3, giving users flexibility; Network Solutions doesn’t specify PHP version support. Both providers emphasize data encryption, but InterServer enhances its offering with brute-force protection and InterShield Security for detecting and blocking attacks. Additionally, InterServer offers automatic email security and anonymous email accounts. Network Solutions has robust daily malware scans, SiteLock, and CodeGuard, but does not match InterServer’s variety of email security features.
Operational security measures:
Network Solutions offers daily malware scans and removal, SiteLock, CodeGuard, and nsProtect Assured Website Seal, ensuring website and data integrity. InterServer goes further by providing Inter-Proxy Caching for load management, data center security with robust physical measures, and services like account cleanup through Inter-Insurance. InterServer’s InterShield Security uses an in-house developed solution to block web attacks and malware, along with self-healing hardware for continuous performance. Network Solutions provides strong anti-phishing tools and a recovery mechanism for deleted emails, but InterServer’s operational security measures are broader and more integrated.
Compliance and certifications:
Network Solutions stresses the importance of SSL certificates, indirectly supporting GDPR and PCI compliance without explicit details about adherence to these standards. InterServer claims GDPR compliance but does not provide information about PCI compliance. Neither provider mentions HIPAA compliance. Both offer robust data protection features, but direct claims about meeting specific regulatory standards like HIPAA are not specified.
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|---|---|---|
| SSL certificate | Multiple options | Free |
| Additional security features | Extensive (anti-phishing, malware removal) | Extensive (InterShield, self-healing hardware) |
| PHP versions | Not specified | Up to PHP 8.3 |
| GDPR compliance | Indirect via SSL | Yes |
| HIPAA compliance | Not specified | Not specified |
| PCI compliance | Indirect via SSL | Not specified |
Hosting features
Score Components:
- Domains (20%): Assesses the availability of a free domain, domain purchase options, and
pricing - Email (15%): Considers if the provider offers full email hosting, or is reselling
third-party service, and if the email is only transactional or not - Website builder (15%): Checks if website builder is available, and it’s user
friendliness and overall the level of customization allowed. - Staging environment (20%): Determines if a staging environment is available, allowing
for testing changes before going live. - FTP & SFTP accounts (10%): Evaluates if and how easily users can access FTP and
SFTP accounts - Git and SSH access (20%): Assess whether Git is integrated into the hosting service and
if SSH access is provided
6.5
6.2
🏆 Winner
Network Solutions: The platform edges out as the winner due to its provision of a free domain for the first year.
Network Solutions and InterServer offer distinct advantages for different types of users with a range of needs. Network Solutions provides a well-rounded selection of plans starting with affordable options for personal or small business users, and scaling up to more comprehensive packages with unlimited resources. One standout feature is the inclusion of daily malware scans, which ensures users’ websites are always protected. Additionally, a complimentary domain for cloud package users and support for a wide range of developer tools makes it particularly attractive.
On the other hand, InterServer excels at providing unlimited resources like storage space, data transfer, and FTP accounts. Its ability to deliver Ultra-Fast Web Servers, RAID-10 Storage, and SSD Caching ensures speedy performance. Another significant benefit is the free Cloudflare CDN, which enhances site performance and security. The absence of SSH might be a drawback for developers needing more control, but its weekly backups and efficient cloud apps stand as strong points for non-technical users looking for reliability and ease of use.
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|---|---|---|
Free domain |
Yes, for the first year |
Yes, for the first year |
Free SSL |
Yes |
No |
Email hosting |
Yes |
Yes |
Website builder |
No |
Yes |
Staging environment |
No |
No |
FTP & SFTP account |
Yes |
Yes |
Git and SSH access |
Yes (SSH) |
No |
Free backup |
Yes |
Yes |
Money back guarantee |
No |
No |
Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both Network Solutions and InterServer offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.
Email services:
Network Solutions offers comprehensive email hosting services including up to unlimited email boxes in higher-tier plans. This makes it ideal for businesses that require extensive email capabilities like setting up multiple inboxes or running email campaigns. InterServer also provides email hosting but with fewer specifics given, focusing instead on its array of unlimited resources. Both do not explicitly offer transactional email capabilities or resell third-party services within the presented context, encouraging users to explore further based on their specific email needs.
Price
Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
8.0
8.1
🏆 Winner InterServer: Offering a wide range of affordable and feature-rich hosting plans for various needs.
Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.
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Starter $5.69
1 Website, 15 GB Disk Space, 5 Email Boxes, Domain Name Included, SiteLock (Malware Scanning), 24/7 Support Value for price:7.5
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Standard Web Hosting $2.50
Unlimited Websites, Unlimited Storage, Unlimited Transfer, Unlimited Email, Free Migration, 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, 24/7 Support, Free SSL, cPanel, SSD Enhanced Servers, 50% Server Capacity, 1-Click Installable Apps Value for price:9.0
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Essential $9.96
3 Websites, 300 GB Disk Space, 1000 Email Boxes, Domain Name Included, SiteLock (Malware Scanning), 24/7 Support Value for price:8.0
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N/A
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Premium $25.78
10 Websites, Unlimited Disk Space, Unlimited Email Boxes, Domain Name Included, SiteLock Premium (Malware Scanning, Auto Malware Removal), 24/7 Support Value for price:8.5
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N/A
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Premium Plus $31.61
10 Websites, Unlimited Disk Space, Unlimited Email Boxes, Domain Name Included, SiteLock Premium (Malware Scanning, Auto Malware Removal), SSL Certificate, 24/7 Support Value for price:8.7
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N/A
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WordPress for Entrepreneurs $7.99
1 Website, 50 GB Storage, 10 Email Boxes, On-Demand Cloud Backup, Domain Name Included, 24/7 Support Value for price:8.0
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1 Core $6.00
1 Website, 2GB RAM, 30GB SSD Storage, 2TB Bandwidth, High Performance Storage, Instant Provisioning, 99.9% Uptime, Easy Control Panel, Free Migration Service Value for price:8.5
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WordPress for a Growing Business $13.98
3 Websites, 100 GB Storage, 25 Email Boxes, Multisite Management, On-Demand Cloud Backup, SSL Included, Domain Name Included, 24/7 Support Value for price:8.3
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2 Cores $12.00
2 Websites, 4GB RAM, 60GB SSD Storage, 4TB Bandwidth, High Performance Storage, Instant Provisioning, 99.9% Uptime, Easy Control Panel, Free Migration Service Value for price:8.7
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WordPress for Professionals $18.98
5 Websites, 200 GB Storage, 50 Email Boxes, Multisite Management, On-Demand Cloud Backup, SSL Included, Domain Name Included, 24/7 Support Value for price:8.5
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3 Cores $18.00
3 Websites, 6GB RAM, 90GB SSD Storage, 6TB Bandwidth, High Performance Storage, Instant Provisioning, 99.9% Uptime, Easy Control Panel, Free Migration Service Value for price:8.9
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N/A
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VPS Special $6.00
2GB RAM, 30GB SSD Storage, Multiple Operating Systems, Instant Activation, cPanel or Direct Admin, Unlimited Support, High Performance Storage, Instant Provisioning, 99.9% Uptime, Easy Control Panel, Multiple Language Servers, Flexible Software Options Value for price:8.6
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Enterprise plans
NetworkSolutions offers comprehensive plans such as Premium Plus ($31.61) in both shared and WordPress hosting. On the other hand, InterServer offers more flexibility with diverse pricing and adjustable resource allocations in its reseller and WordPress hosting plans, making it suitable for businesses with varying needs.
Ease of setup
platform.
Score Components:
- Site migration (25%): Assesses whether the provider offers tools for site migration,
either automated or manual, and whether these services are free or require a fee. - Admin panel usability (35%): Evaluates the type of admin panel provided, such as the
standard cPanel or a custom solution, focusing on its accessibility and user-friendliness for both
technical and non-technical users. - Setup features (20%): Examines the availability and ease of use of various setup
features, including FTP accounts, file managers, email account setup, PHPMyAdmin, and easy CDN
configuration. - Help center quality (20%): Measures the quality and accessibility of the provider’s
help center resources, including articles and tutorials.
8.0
8.7
🏆 Winner: InterServer: Known for its user-friendly control panels and extensive one-click script installations.
When comparing the admin panels of these hosting providers, Network Solutions offers a setup involving FTP credentials and website builders, which are suitable for users looking to recreate existing sites with ease. Their platform includes a content management system, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. The availability of 24/7 product support aids in resolving setup issues, enhancing user experience. On the other hand, InterServer provides more standardized tools like cPanel and DirectAdmin, known for their ease of use and robust feature sets. These control panels support both admins and end-users effectively, making them a preferred choice for those who value streamlined website management through intuitive interfaces. One-click script installations, including popular CMSs like WordPress and Magento, add another layer of convenience for site administrators of all skill levels.
Considering migration tools, Network Solutions offers assistance for transferring website services with minimal downtime, emphasizing a more hands-on approach from their support team. This service ensures security products such as SSL certificates and SiteLock are moved without interruption. InterServer provides a free migration service for standard shared hosting accounts, requiring a full cPanel backup from the customer. This process is straightforward but demands some familiarity with backup and restoration processes, making it slightly less user-friendly compared to Network Solutions’ more guided approach.
Network Solutions’ Help Center offers a well-organized Online Support Center with answers to common questions, user guides, and tutorials. They provide 24/7 product support through phone and chat, with a trained technical team available for remote assistance if necessary. InterServer’s knowledge base includes helpful articles and comprehensive tools, alongside 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and ticket system. Their resources cover a wide range of topics, making troubleshooting and learning easier.
The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. Network Solutions offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. InterServer also boasts a detailed help center with an intuitive search function and around-the-clock support via live chat, phone, and ticketing, ensuring comprehensive user support.
User management
accessibility.
Score Components:
- Role customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
7.0
7.4
Winner: InterServer: A versatile hosting provider with comprehensive user management capabilities.
Network Solutions offers a structured and well-defined user management system with clearly delineated roles. There are three primary roles: Primary Contact, Admin Contact, and Technical Contact, each with specific permissions. The Primary Contact has the most control, including editing account information and managing other user roles, while the Technical Contact has the least access. In contrast, InterServer leverages control panels like cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, which come with built-in user management features. This setup provides more flexibility in creating and defining user roles based on the needs of the hosting account, although specific details are not as explicitly outlined as in Network Solutions.
In terms of user interfaces and tools, Network Solutions uses its proprietary interface for managing users through its Account Manager page. The process of adding, editing, and managing user roles is straightforward, involving a series of steps such as logging in, navigating to the Accounts & Users section, and making necessary changes. InterServer, on the other hand, relies on industry-standard control panels like cPanel, which are well-known for their user-friendly interfaces. These panels provide various tools for managing user accounts and permissions, offering a familiar environment for users who have utilized web hosting services before.
When assessing access control measures, Network Solutions provides distinct roles with clear limitations on what each role can access and modify. This ensures a secure environment where critical account information is protected. However, it may become less efficient for organizations that need more granular control across a bigger user base. InterServer’s use of scalable control panels allows for a broader range of access controls and user management options. The ability to create unlimited email accounts and manage client accounts through DirectAdmin indicates its capacity to handle a growing number of users effectively.
Network Solutions User Roles Table:
| Role | Description | Access Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Contact | Manages account holder details and payments. | Can edit account and payment info, manage user roles. |
| Admin Contact | Oversees payment information and user roles. | Can edit payment info, manage user roles. |
| Technical Contact | Handles technical aspects of the account. | Limited to technical site management. |
InterServer User Roles Table:
| Role | Description | Access Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Defined in Control Panels | Roles and permissions as set in cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin based on account needs. | Role-specific permissions adaptable to user requirements. |
Customer support
hosting provider.
Score Components:
- Support communication channels (30%): Measures the variety of customer support types
provided (live chat, chatbot, email, phone, etc.) - Availability (20%): Assesses the availability hours for each channel, including 24/7
support options. - Technical support quality (30%): Assesses whether the provider offers comprehensive
technical support, including hardware upgrades (e.g., HDD to SSD), software installations, and web
server configuration changes. - Enterprise support (20%): Checks if there are dedicated or priority support services
for enterprise-level customers.
8.5
9.0
🏆 Winner InterServer: High-quality customer service available 24/7 with multiple support channels.
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Phone support |
||
Live chat support |
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Chatbot |
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Email/ticket support |
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Enterprise support (dedicated agent, priority support) |
Network Solutions and InterServer offer varying customer support options, each suited to different needs. Network Solutions provides a range of support including phone, live chat, and 24/7 product support. They also have specialized support lines for business consultations, sales, and domains. The availability of customer service through multiple channels ensures that users can find help when needed, though networksolutions does not offer dedicated enterprise support and it lacks a proactive backup service.
InterServer also offers 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and a ticket system. They stand out with their rapid response time of under 30 minutes and the addition of proactive backups. InterServer offers additional support features like free migration services, user-friendly control panels, and a knowledge base for self-help. Their service model is focused on providing comprehensive support with instant solutions, making them a valuable option for many businesses.
User feedback
User feedback on this hosting provider highlights several key strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, many users find the interface user-friendly and appreciate the ease of navigating through the platform, particularly when managing domains and webpages. However, there are significant concerns about the provider’s customer service, which many describe as unresponsive and ineffective at solving technical issues, often resulting in prolonged waits and unmet assurances. Additionally, users criticize the high costs, frequent upselling, and lack of timely communication during server outages, which collectively detract from the overall user experience.
User feedback on the hosting provider paints a mixed picture. Many users commend the provider for its affordable, straightforward pricing and extensive features like unlimited storage and bandwidth, free SSL certificates, and a user-friendly control panel. The customer support, while generally prompt and effective, has garnered both praise and criticism, especially due to the lack of a dedicated phone support line and sometimes long live chat wait times. However, performance issues such as inconsistent server speed, downtime, and occasional loss of data have been frequent points of frustration for users.
FAQ
Which platform is better suited for hosting WordPress websites?
Both Network Solutions and InterServer offer excellent options for hosting WordPress websites. Network Solutions has specific WordPress plans with dedicated features for entrepreneurs and professionals. On the other hand, InterServer provides powerful resources and advanced performance optimization suitable for high-traffic WordPress sites. Overall, each platform caters to different needs, making either a viable choice depending on user preferences and requirements.
Which hosting service offers better security features?
InterServer and Network Solutions both emphasize security, but InterServer holds an edge with advanced features like InterShield Security, brute-force protection, and automatic email security. InterServer also provides free SSL certificates and additional security measures such as self-healing hardware and Inter-Insurance for compromised account cleanups. Network Solutions offers a strong suite of security features, including daily malware scans, SiteLock, and multiple SSL options, but does not match InterServer’s extensive range of offerings.
What are the major differences in pricing and value between networksolutions and interserver?
InterServer tends to offer more affordable and feature-rich plans compared to Network Solutions. For shared hosting, InterServer’s Standard Web Hosting plan costs $2.50 per month with unlimited storage and free SSL, while Network Solutions’ Starter plan costs $5.69 per month with limited features. Similarly, InterServer’s VPS and WordPress hosting plans provide better value in terms of resources and performance optimizations, making it a more cost-effective option than the higher-priced plans of Network Solutions.
Which hosting service offers more scalability options for growing websites?
InterServer excels in scalability options, providing seamless upgrade paths from shared hosting to VPS and dedicated servers without downtime. This makes it ideal for growing businesses needing to scale their website resources efficiently. Network Solutions offers flexible web hosting plans but lacks detailed scalability features for VPS or dedicated hosting, making it less suitable for websites requiring significant growth potential.
How do the providers handle email hosting and what features are included?
Network Solutions offers comprehensive email hosting services with options to set up multiple email boxes, ideal for businesses requiring extensive email capabilities. Features include daily malware scans and support for developer tools. InterServer also provides email hosting with unlimited email accounts and focuses more on resource availability and security features like automatic email security. Both platforms offer robust email hosting but Network Solutions provides more detailed options and advanced features.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
