Does size of webhost company matter?

I worry about small hosts going out of business. Should I?

[scott1137]

I've used a small web host a prof suggested. I've seen them not mentioned on forums, review sites, etc. In looking into other hosts I see many getting good reviews here and elsewhere that are even smaller.

This raises two questions:

1. How do you know about the economic stability of a privately held hosting company?

2. Is this something to be concerned about?

Thanks.

[enigma1]

What you should be concerned about is the host performance and support in relationship to your site.

For what you see posted around, I would be concerned if they're detailed negative reviews that can be verified.

[Essex_boy]

Some of the bigger hosts are pretty awful in the security dept, a very big hosting firm (adverts on TV in the UK) are dire. 2600 magazine showed how a hacker can enter other peoples email accounts....

You just have to be careful

[wolfadeus]

I have moved from a small company to a big one a few years ago.

Security is hard to check if you are not an expert; other indicators such as server speed etc. are easier to compare. For me personally, tech support and sever location were key.

I was happy with the small company, but it went bust and out of business.

[wolfadeus]

By the way, the small company had come as a recommendation from a WW member. I took it because it was based in the US and I wanted my servers on the East Coast - some of the big companies, however, turn yo8u down for the US if you are Europe-based.