City Network Hosting started in 2002 in Karslkrona, Sweden with a primary focus on web hosting, with additional services such as domain registration, virtual, and dedicated server access being added along the way. The company has a strong customer-centric focus, with a value proposition that combines low prices while offering excellent support services.
Uptime & Reliability
Very reliable hosting with 100% uptime guarantee
City Network Hosting’s site states that they own the data center, which is described as being located in a former bank vault in an underground location. In addition, physical security is heavily monitored and filmed; a dedicated security company patrols the exterior and interior of the property.
A UPS power supply is advertised, and City Network Hosting states that they also have an on-site diesel generator with service agreements with fuel providers to maintain operations as long as necessary.
Router systems are listed as fully redundant with gigabit speed throughout the network, so bottlenecks should never be in contention. Climate control systems are in place to maintain conditions such as heat and humidity via several sensors throughout the data center.
City Network Hosting makes a bold guarantee of 100% uptime. With so many variables within their control, customers of any size should be able to be at ease in regards to their uptime and availability.
Features
Many nice features to choose from
The company offers discount services globally, and stresses that no long-term commitment or contract is needed for most services. In fact, a link off the “about us” page shows that City Network Hosting “fired” their set-up fee in 2011, stating that set-up fees are a hold-over when hosting procedures were less cumbersome and will become ever-more automated, a prediction which has certainly proven correct in the last four years.
City Network Hosting also takes the competitive edge up a notch by offering a $1.00 US for both new and old domains; however this offer does not include domain registration. Domain services which starts at $7.00 per year, have generous allowances such as up to 1000 email accounts with 10GB total mailbox size, 250 GB of storage. The company also offers specific directions and policies on their redirect procedure for existing domains.
Server co-location is offered for clients who wish to own their own hardware, with the organization offering 100% uptime for power, network and broadband access.
While there are many reasons for organizations to use co-location services, dedicated servers are offered at very reasonable rates. The basic dedicated plan offers a Dell PowerEdge R210II with a quad-core Xeon processor, 8 GB ram and (2) 500 GB hard drives which provides a strong value statement for dedicated hosting.
City Network Hosting offers a distinction between VPS and their “City Cloud” service, explaining that VPS requires each virtual server to be running under the same OS as the host; “City Cloud” states that each of their cloud servers run their own system kernel, regardless of which platform is deployed. Further statements offer that this configuration offers maximum configuration options, while customers are only charged for time used with no charges rendered when the server is shut down.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of City Network Hosting, at least from an American perspective, is that their environmental statement proclaims that they use 100% wind power.
Support
Limited support options
Phone support is listed as available on weekdays from 08:00-22:00 and 10:00-14:00 on weekends with email also available. No on-line ticketing system appeared to be offered.
Pricing
Reasonable hosting prices
Hosting starts at as little as $12.00US per year when paying in advance, with many different options to choose from.
Server co-location is offered at $78.21US (€69.00) monthly fee, and unlike many other facilities, phone and physical support is included in the price.
Dedicated server space is listed at $112.22US (€99.00) monthly, with many choices available for customization.
All packages and services are subject to Sweden’s 25% Value Added Tax (VAT). While this will increase the total package price significantly, the VAT is a factor for many countries, with most countries charging between 20-27%.
Summary
Good hosting for most sites
This company offers good quality hosting for most types of sites. They have lots of different options to choose from, including some fairly unique features. If you want Sweden based hosting, this is a very nice company to consider.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Quick setup
- No long term contracts
Cons: