Web Hosting Services

Comparison of services used by UUs

3ix

Operating System - Linux

Features - cPanel with Fantastico and a long list of Open Source programs

Cost - 4 packages range from $12/yr. to $88/yr. ($73 additional for SSL & dedicated IP using their top 2 packages with Shell Access)

Reviews

• From JoyceD 11/7/2007 - I've used it for 1 1/2 yrs. with several sites and few problems, though it doesn't have a toll free phone number for tech support & sometimes the LiveChat will put in a ticket for tech support via email, I usually get a satisfactory answer to questions within 12 hrs. I wouldn't recommend it if you need faster tech support. I notice that some accounts (on different 3ix computers) have more updated software than others. They also don't have automated bill paying using saved credit card information - they email their annual renewal bill, but they don't take down sites that are late and there's no late fee (up to 10 days or something like that). I see there's a dedicated hate group to them that primarily criticizes their "unlimited bandwidth" - I don't see how any server can truly offer bandwidth that is "unlimited" or space either, though many claim to. The cost per service is very good for those who would like to save money.

Examples

• JPD Women & Religion uses the Excite plan ($12/yr.)
• UU Allies for Racial Equity uses the Expert hosting plan (and pays a small amount extra for SSL and dedicated IP - for $128/yr.)
• Baltimore Washington Unitarian Universalists and Philadelphia Wilmington Unitarian Universalists share the same service in different directories using the Extra Hosing Plan ($33/yr.)

Blue Host

Operating System - Linux

Features - cPanel with Fantastico and a long list of Open Source programs - 1 package only, includes Shell Access

Cost - $6.95/mo. if you sign up for 2 yrs. up front ($166.80/2 yrs. = $83.40/yr.)

Reviews

• From JoyceD 11/7/2007 - I have log-in capability on a site that uses it, but I haven't dealt with them directly. I see a lot of people think they're great, but I compared software versions and they're not up-to-date on everything. I believe it's their customer service that gets them top ratings, which includes 24X7 toll free phone support. I have also read some reviews from unsatisfied customers, though.

Examples

• Joseph Priestley District

UUism

Operating System - Linux

Features - EnsimPro administrative panel

Cost - "comes with Web Site, Subdirectory Access (FTP), Shell Access (SSH) and Email Server Access (POP3) - $9 per year for 25 MB with free setup and free subdomain" (according to site 11/7/2007)

Reviews

• From JoyceD 11/7/2007 - I've used it for ~8 yrs. & it has improved over time. I've only used it for services that our UU host, Jim Hermann, has offered free. THANKS, JIM! He serves over 100 UU congregations and organizations.

Examples

• REC-Room
• UU Wiki - this site