I am often asked for a recommendation on web hosting services for both my clients as well as associates.

Having been the Asia/Pacific Technical Support Director for Webcentral for over 9 years, I've got some experience from both an operational as well as a customer service and provision point of view.

"What's Wrong With Them?"
Would I use Webcentral for my own hosting needs? Categorically, that's a resounding NO WAY and I'll tell you why that is.

• Totally overpriced
• Infrastructure shortfalls
• Customer Services has really slipped (can you say 'massive budget cutbacks'?)
• Top Level focus shift from customer delight levels to simply profit
• Australia based
• No Live Support
• After Hours response times are pitiful
• Haven't been innovative since original founders left the business

Since leaving Webcentral, I spent some time trying out various webhosts for my own requirements and those of clients. I can say that the majority all have elements of Webcentral's shortfalls. That is until I discovered the delights of Hostgator.

The New Customer Focussed Host

Hostgator has to be one of the most responsive hosting companies I've had the pleasure to deal with.

• All Hours Support
• Live Chat
• Incredibly Afford Plans
• No Contracts or Lock-In Requirements
• Unlimited Bandwidth (not on the very basic plan)
• Unlimited Domains/Sites (not on the very basic plan)
• Even those 'odd' requests get undivided attention from these guys
• Uptime is fantastic
• The List Goes On....

I've even had to enquire about some TCP/IP ports needed to be opened for online Skype status - no problem. Many hosts heavily restrict the activity you're able to do within your site - Hostgator have sorted this out and so far, everything I've needed to do has not only been possible ... it's been easy and simple too!