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If you’re in your late teens or older, you probably know how dramatically the Web hosting industry has changed since the dawn of the twenty-first century (a mere eight years ago). Web 2.0 was born, and it spawned children named Tweets, Apps and Blogs. Broadband crawled the globe, and wireless continues to expand. Open source software and content now has equal respect, if not equal footing, with proprietary holdings. All these changes and more have altered Web hosting’s face as users become more involved with actual creation of interface and content.

But, who are the folks behind these dramatic changes? Who started hi5 Networks, one of the world’s largest social networks today? Who’s helping Dell become more environmentally friendly, and who’s the person behind Google’s financial success? We’ll tell you about these people and more, through the 25 most influential people in the Web hosting industry listed below.

There are, literally, hundreds of influential people in and around the Web hosting industry today, but we scoured the Web to find the most visible and remarkable people who are active in speaking engagements and/or in creative and substantial contributions to society as well as to their work. We looked to the most well-known and publicized companies like Cisco, Twitter and Facebook to discover who represented a driving force behind those companies. Below you will find owners, founders and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Engineers, and the Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) who are behind the Internet’s most innovative, productive, and astounding growth in Web hosting to users today. Read the rest of this entry »

Finding the perfect Web host can be perplexing with so many out there to choose from. If you are a serious programmer, then you have more to consider than the average customer. While some people are merely looking for their cheapest option with the most bandwidth, you may require a host that supports Ruby on Rails, MySQL, PHP, cPanel, Perl or CGI-BIN access. To aid you in your decision, we have compiled a list of 14 good hosting options for hardcore developers.

1. A2Hosting — A2Hosting is a very reliable company, offering packages for sites both big and small. Whether you are building a personal homepage or a major Web presence for a large corporation, A2Hosting is a developer-friendly solution to your hosting problems. The service is Linux-based, supporting features like MySQL, PHP and Ruby on Rails. A member of the Better Business Bureau, A2Hosting guarantees a 99.9% uptime, which is as high as any business can promise. With cutting edge technology at the forefront and guaranteed reliability, A2Hosting is an outstanding choice for serious Web developers.
2. BlueHost — BlueHost is one of the top Web hosting companies in the world, due in no small part to its reliability and cutting-edge technology. Both novice Webmasters and hardcore developers can find a suitable package from this host. The features included with a BlueHost account are numerous, including unlimited domain names, VoIP, spam protection, CGI-BIN access, FrontPage extensions and Fantastico script support. CGI/Databases supported by BlueHost include PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby/Ruby on Rails, MySQL5, Javascript/DHTML and more. BlueHost, in addition to being one of the top-performing Web hosts, is also one of the most inexpensive services available.
3. Dot5Hosting — Dot5Hosting is an affordable Web host that offers a guarantee of 99.9% uptime and an array of features that should interest a serious developer. Up to six domain names can be applied to one Dot5Hosting site and, for as long as your account is active, you will never have to renew any of the domains. Multimedia features supported by the host include streaming video/audio, Shockwave, and Flash. Dot5Hosting also offers world class technology in their high-speed servers and 24/7 site monitoring. PHP, Perl, Python and Javascript/DHTML are also supported, giving programmers a variety of scripts to choose from.
4. DotServant.com — There are many low-cost hosting companies available, but most of them offer less-than-stellar reliability and aren’t suited for professional developers. DotServant, however, is one of the few hosts that combines low price with high performance. A standard package with DotServant is quite cheap and developer-friendly, supporting PHP, PHP5, MySQL, MySQL5 and Ruby on Rails. With a high transfer rate and large storage space, even large sites can be maintained through DotServant on a budget.
5. DreamHost — Speaking from personal experience, my favorite aspect of DreamHost would have to be its easy-to-use control panel. The ability to host unlimited domains, created new e-mail users, and create new MySQL databases is a snap. Hosting plans start at under $100 a year. For a small business that needs to keep start-up costs low, DreamHost offers very good service for the price.
6. HostGator.com — HostGator.com is considered to be one of the best Web hosts in the world. Boasting a 99.9% uptime and round-the-clock phone support, HostGator.com also provides a variety of packages at affordable rates. Web developers at any level of expertise will be pleased with this company, in particular serious programmers. Features supported by HostGator include MySQL, Ruby on Rails, Perl, Python, SSH, cURL, streaming audio/video and more. From personal homepages to large, dedicated sites, this company can serve anyone’s needs.
7. HostPapa — HostPapa is a Canadian Web host that offers many developer-friendly features for a reasonable price. Domain names are available “for life”, which means you will never have to renew them for as long as you remain with the company. Programmers will be interested in the multitude of supported features, including MySQL databases, PHP, Fantastico, Perl, FrontPage extensions and more. Flash, Shockwave, MIDI files and streaming audio/video are also supported by HostPapa. If that isn’t enough to interest you, then the 24/7 monitoring and guaranteed 99.9% uptime should.
8. InMotion — InMotion is a flexible, reliable and award-winning Web host, perfect for both personal and business sites. The service is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, so a wide variety of programmers can use the host. Also, supported features like PHP, Perl, MySQL and CGI-BIN make the company desirable to serious Webmasters. A member of the Better Business Bureau, InMotion is also notable for its 99.9% uptime guarantee, 24/7 customer service and world class technology.
9. IX Web — Whether you are a novice Webmaster or a programmer with years of experience, IX Web offers a suitable package for your needs. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, the company appeals to all developers. The company has won multiple awards from within the industry and is a trusted member of the Better Business Bureau. A reliable host indeed, supported features offered by IX Web include PHP, Perl, CGI, CGI-BIN, ColdFusion, Javascript and more.
10. Joyent — Joyent, the official Ruby on Rails host, has won multiple awards for its applications and customer service team. They focus on business Web sites and offer features additional to Ruby on Rails, including PHP5, MySQL 4.1, Lighttpd, Subversion, WebDAV and more. This host is also responsible for the Joyent Accelerator, which is being used by corporations all over the world. The Accelerator will make your server faster and more reliable. In fact, Joyent promises a 99.9% uptime for all its services, including shared hosting.
11. Jumpline VDS — Jumpline VDS is a small, family business that has grown to impressive proportions, thanks to its reliable and flexible hosting plans. There are many features included with a Jumpline VDS site, including Perl, PHP, ColdFusion, FrontPage extensions, Python, Ruby, Java and more. The company guarantees a stable, lightning-fast server and is always up-to-date with the latest in hosting technology. With affordable plans for sites both big and small, Jumpline VDS is a great choice for Webmasters.
12. Media Temple — Media Temple is the choice of big companies such as Nike, Sony, Starbucks, and WHDb. They offer basic shared server hosting or high end dedicated server hosting. As a Media Temple customer, I can honestly say that they offer terrific uptime and their customer support is unparalleled; often times, there is no wait time to speak with customer service, and if there ever is a wait, it’s never more than just a couple of minutes. Highly recommended. If you sign up, tell them WHDb.com sent you!
13. midPhase — midPhase is so confident in its hosting services, the company offers a risk-free, money-back guarantee. With new specials and features being offered every day, midPhase stands out amongst other low-cost hosting companies. Serious Webmasters shouldn’t be deterred by the term “low-cost”, as midPhase is quite serious about its commitment to programmers. Features supported by the company include PHP, CGI, FTP, MySQL and more. If you need reliable hosting for a minimal fee, try midPhase.
14. PowWeb — You will be hard-pressed to find a cheaper solution to your hosting problems than PowWeb and yet, surprisingly, there are many features offered with the company’s services. While this host may not support as many scripts as some higher-end competitors, it is laden with fun extras and software. Free software included with a PowWeb site includes MediaWiki, php-Nuke, WordPress, Mambo and Gallery2. With 24/7 technical support and a reliable, fast server, this budget host shouldn’t be underestimated.

While the masses may be content with mainstream hosts like GoDaddy, you may be looking for something different. Serious developers are looking for features beyond free templates and cheap domain names. They need high-end servers that are guaranteed with at least a 99.5% uptime, as well as support for various scripts and databases. If you are an experienced programmer with a long list of hosting requirements, then look into one of the above companies for support. Want to see more? Check out our extended list of Web hosting providers.

The Internet, once the last bastion of truly free speech, is slowly being overrun by lawyers and government officials the world over. Certainly, there are criminals who need to be apprehended for their online exploits, but those of us who are merely exercising our first amendment right should feel protected. Sadly, many mainstream Web hosts will drop your site as soon as you attract the smallest amount of opposition. They are, after all, intimidated by the threat of losing money in a lawsuit. Luckily, there are still a few brave Web hosting companies that cherish free speech and that will stand behind your site. Below, we have listed 11 hosts that won’t dump you at the first sign of controversy.

1. 1st-Amendment.Net — As the name suggests, 1st-Amendment.Net is a hosting company devoted to free speech. Not only do they advocate free speech, but free hosting as well. Their basic service is available to the public at no charge and is, by all accounts, a great package. If you are in need of more bandwidth than the basic package offers, paid upgrades are quite reasonable in price. Additional offers from 1st-Amendment.Net include domain registration, custom Web design, online merchant accounts and instant messenger support.
2. Computer Tyme — Computer Tyme is a host that embraces controversial sites, particularly ones that feature political dissent. They stand by a mission statement to protect you from government censorship and boorish lawyers. Naturally, the company prohibits illegal content such as child pornography or copyright infringement, but they don’t routinely police any of their hosted sites. Their motto is “No Anti-Bush Site Left Behind”. In other words, Computer Tyme isn’t afraid of “the man” and is actively engaged in the fight for Internet free speech.
3. Free Speech Web Hosting — Free Speech Web Hosting, or FSWH, offers “the best hosting solution for insistent people”. If you have a strong opinion and aren’t afraid to share it with the world, then FSWH isn’t afraid to publish your site. Even sites with graphic adult content are welcome, provided that everyone involved is 18 years of age or older. FSWH also stipulates that they will not host any sites containing illegal downloads. Everything else, however, is fair game. This host cares about the first amendment, as evident by the company’s name.
4. Project DoD — If you are interested in publishing a Web site on a subversive topic, then it would be best to avoid mainstream hosting services. Project DoD is a small collective of Web professionals who want to help people with alternative sites. From hackers to indie-rock bands, many people have found refuge with this host. The company is run in a democratic fashion, too, as it is a completely member-supported operation with no corporate sponsorship.
5. Zensurfrei — Zensurfrei is a free speech host that offers anonymous Web site domains to customers all over the globe. The company was born from one man’s experience with a wrongful arrest in Germany, stemming from his possession of political satire that offended the government. Since that time, Zensurfei has existed to serve as a safe haven for those exercising free speech, particularly in countries like Germany and France, where Web sites are being censored by officials.
6. Grex — Grex is a public access computer conferencing company that advocates free speech on the Net. Membership with Grex is free and will allow you to publish your own personal site. Although the available space is limited and will not support multimedia files, this could be the perfect solution if you want to create a simple, static site with no corporate interference. The only thing asked of you, the site owner, is that you log in every few months to keep the account active.
7. CrisisHost — CrisisHost is one of the oldest free speech Web hosting companies still in existence. Offering flexible, low-cost hosting packages since 2003, CrisisHost only prohibits illegal activity, such as child pornography or copyright infringement. Other than those stipulations, you are free to publish any kind of content via CrisisHost’s server. Reseller packages are also available from CrisisHost, should you be interested in becoming a Web entrepreneur.
8. NearlyFreeSpeech.Net — This unique company offers pay-as-you-go hosting packages. With no contracts or minimum fees, you are only required to pay for the bandwidth you actually use. Also, NearlyFreeSpeech.Net protects your privacy from spammers and the like. As they say, “nobody gets your name from us without a court order”. Not only is your privacy protected from the public, the hosting company has constructed a system whereby you keep your payment details private even from them. All that, plus the assurance that your free speech is protected, makes this host a great choice.
9. SecureServerTech — SecureServerTech specializes in high-risk site protection, whereby they guarantee any outside attack on your site will be stopped within seven days or your money back. With low-costs and fast network speeds, the fact that they promise zero censorship is just icing on the cake. As far as the content on your site is legal, then SecureServerTech will not prevent you from publishing it through their server. This is one small Web hosting company with a lot to offer.
10. iWeb8 — Whether you would like to create a low-key static site or a graphics-intense dynamic site, iWeb8 has a hosting package for you. Also, if you are interested in becoming a dedicated hosting reseller, this is the right company to turn to. Many free speech, IRC and adult sites are hosted through this company without any interference or censorship. Provided your content is legal, iWeb8 is happy to provide you with Web hosting and dedicated server equipment.
11. Beachcomber — A member of the Better Business Bureau, Beachcomber offers Web hosting packages for sites both big and small. Although the company prohibits IRC sites or spamming of any kind, Beachcomber does protect the free speech of any other legal site, including those featuring games. Domain registration and professional design templates are also available from the host, making it a one-stop shop for anyone looking to build a Web presence from scratch.

There is a large online movement to keep the Internet free of censorship and unfair sanctions. While no reputable Web host would knowingly support illegal content, most mainstream hosting companies also shy away from any controversy. Luckily, the few dedicated hosting services that do support free speech are going strong. If you take a strong stance on a subject and fear it may be too subversive for a GoDaddy or Geocities, then consider one of the above companies. They will respect and protect your civil liberties.