In this day and age where profits are cut to the bone and product quality or customer service usually suffers as a result (sometimes both!), consumers are often forced to compromise, settling for "the best I could find." When I went hunting for a hosting service and read about all the pros and cons of the most popular and affordable hosts, I thought I would also have to choose what I was willing to give up or get less of. Then I found 2AM NETWORK.
Like most people who Google "what is the best hosting company" I was led to countless host-review sites advertising the same handful of host providers who offer "unlimited bandwidth." I also discovered rather quickly that these hosts are generally not recommended because there is no such thing as unlimited bandwidth (read the TOS agreements), leaving the consumer in the dark as to exactly how much bandwidth consumption will get their site shut down. I quickly decided to go for a hosting service that clearly states how much bandwidth is allowed for how much money.
My research led me to WHT where I was reading replies to people's hosting questions and problems, and noticed "Cameron Coish" was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and responsive. I saw by his signature he worked for 2AM NETWORK (he's actually the CEO), so I visited that site. The value was great, it offered cPanel, and I already knew Cameron was a sharp guy. The next step was to read about the company and Google 2AM NETWORK for reviews. This is where I hit a bump. There was virtually nothing out there, but one positive review here in WHT.
Before going further, I thought I'd ask a pre-sales technical question. Though it was 11pm PST and 2AM NETWORK is on the east coast of Canada, I clicked the Live support link and the chat line happened to be manned with a tech who answered my question immediately, professionally and politely. I was impressed. (Not that I'd expect the live chat to be manned every night at 11pm my time, but it was a promising start.)
So I emailed sales to let them know I was interested, but was concerned that as a new company, it might not be here for the long haul. Again, though it was after 11pm my time, I had a personal, detailed, friendly and professional response from Cameron within 10 minutes! Not only that, we exchanged several emails for the next hour or so, and more over the next few days as I continued to look at all my options. In all my queries to 2AM NETWORK, my mail was answered within 15 minutes and usually less, and was always a detailed answer that addressed each of my questions fully and completely. Furthermore, Cameron never pushed me to join 2AM NETWORK, respecting that I had not made up my mind, while representing his company in an excellent light that eventually won me over.
Once I signed up, tech support and Cameron himself have continued to provide the best hosting service I could have ever hoped for. In fact, I can honestly say it is MORE than I hoped for. I didn't think customer service of this caliber was even possible anymore without paying heavily for it. What's more, Cameron really knows his stuff, having a background in corporate networking and IT before moving into the hosting business.
So here's what I got with 2AM NETWORK:
1. An excellent plan that is not only highly affordable, but allows me to know just how much bandwidth I have. All plans include cPanel and all of it's wonderful features and programs, and unlimited add-on domains (with respect to the generous bandwidth limit), unlimited POP3, etc.
2. For those who want to test the waters but hate the hassle of a monthly repeating charge, you can pay quarterly. (This is a requirement of the least expensive plan but optional with the other plans.) Three months is a perfect amount of time to try out a new host, and the payment is nominal! And of course they offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
3. Excellent technical support and customer service that goes beyond the pale to meet the needs of the customer, and in my experience, in 15 min or less. (I'm sure there will be occasions when that isn't possible due to circumstances beyond their control, but knowing this is 'the norm' is really nice!) Also, the responses were detailed, personal and accountable one-on-one interactions with knowledgeable on-site experts who don't end the exchange until they are sure they have answered all of your concerns or questions thoroughly and to your satisfaction.
4. The ability to grow with 2AM NETWORK into escalating plans that remain outrageously affordable!
5. The peace of mind knowing my site won't load slowly from being crammed on to an "unlimited bandwidth" host server; or worse, be taken down should someone digg it and the traffic spikes! I am not operating in the dark, but the team at 2AM NETWORK *is* operating around the clock, including in the wee hours, to make sure they run the best Web host service ever. They didn't tell me that, it's been my experience with them over the last few weeks.
Is there a better Web Host out there than 2AM NETWORK? I honestly don't know how any service could be *better* than 2AM NETWORK, though there might be someone who ties it. I would not know who that is, I just know I found a winner!
Sometimes it's a gamble to go with a new company. Other times it is actually an advantage to get in on the ground floor with a new company, because they are eager to please and build the business based on customer satisfaction. That is the case with 2AM NETWORK and I could not be happier. They have exceeded all of my expectations and hopes for finding a good, solid hosting service. I could not have made a better decision and am looking forward to being with them for the long haul. Though my needs at this time are minimal, I have no doubt that as I grow, 2AM NETWORK will be there to accommodate me in whatever directions I take with future websites. Many thanks to Cameron and the 2AM NETWORK team!!
(And to the moderator, I understand from reading other reviews that I need to report my domain to you. Let me know how to submit that and I'll be happy to comply!)
Review: 2am Network Shared Hosting: EXCELLENT!
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