Earlier this week, ProVim earned media placement in Web Host Industry Review for its hosting acquisitions of late. The article, “Web Host ProVim Acquires Two Hosts” outlined two hosting companies ProVim absorbed, adding over 650 new accounts and 25 resellers to its server list. The Industry Review is the publication of record for the Web hosting industry, reaching more than 15,000 industry insiders and consumers daily.

While most hosting companies do a fine job of hosting websites and pinpointing problems when they arise, they lack the expertise to fix websites when something goes awry. Not so at ProVim. And that’s one benefit of hosting on ProVim’s severs. ProVim staff can pinpoint, diagnose and fix website snafus for clients. Exclusivity is among other benefits of private hosting.

Unlike public hosting services, like (ahem, GoDaddy) that lets any Tom, Dick and Harry start a website. ProVim hand picks those companies that host on its servers. There’s a big difference between letting your website reside in an exclusive community, or putting you website in the middle of a ghetto. Where your website is hosted could affects its rank on Google.

That’s why ProVim is your GoDaddy alternative. And have an escape plan from the GoDaddy ghetto to the pristine servers of ProVim, and we are eager to help business owners experience the benefits of hosting their business website on a private server.

At the close of 2010, ProVim Web Hosting and Development acquired New Jersey-based hosting company, IndexU. The acquisition adds over 500 new accounts and 24 resellers to the existing ProVim server list. In addition to the IndexU takeover, ProVim absorbed Jacob Cane Hosting, which added 150 new accounts and one reseller to ProVim’s server list.

As the economy rebounds the competition for hosting companies heats up. While some fold, larger hosting companies absorb them. With these acquisitions, ProVim continues to expand in a new year. “This growth demonstrates our core values of strengthen and vitality,” said Heid, President and CEO of ProVim Web Hosting and Development.

The difference between ProVim and other hosting is the service. “While other hosting companies can pinpoint problems with a client’s website that it is hosted on their server,” said Heid, “traditional hosting companies can’t fix the problem.” ProVim gives its clients both. “We can pinpoint, diagnose and fix website problems on our servers,” said Heid. “Plus, businesses have the option of purchasing our filter junk email service that blocks nearly all junk mail and protects computers from malware and spyware.”

Businesses that host with ProVim typically experience less down time with their websites and become more productive with email by using the filter junk email services.

The Cons: Your domain may not be safe. Domain Registry of America is out to steal it. The scam works something like this.

Domain Registry of America sends you a document that looks like a bill. But it’s not! Their trick? The bogus invoice says your company’s domain is set to expire, and by sending them the allotted dollar amount in the “invoice,” Doman Registry of America will “renew” your domain.

We’ve seen this scam burn a lot of business owners. One of ours almost did. It’s easy to believe Domain Registry of America because the “invoice” looks real. But it’s a fake. A fraud, even! Things get messy when you pay the initial fee, because Domain Registry of America leaves out a tiny, but important truth. Using their service gives them permission to take possession of your domain.

Once they have it… you don’t!

Falling for the Domain Registry’s little trick will cost you a bundle in the long run. Later you’ll receive a proposal to repurchase your company’s domain! See the problem? We’ve seen a repurchasing price as high as $699 USD.

Despite a 2003 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Domain Registry of America (DRoA) is still using “domain slamming” solicitations.  We see them all the time.  Complaints about DRoA are nothing new.

The danger:  Your domain is a key part of your brand.  You have it for email, your website, and years of marketing your brands awareness. Failing to own and protect your domain places your contact information up for grabs.  (Side note: Domain Registry of America is located in Canada, England and Australia.)

This has been confirmed by McAfee Labs in a March 2010 post.  We can also report, as a local Indianapolis web developer, many of these still coming in (including the one listed above from one of our clients).

Beginning in February of 2010, there have been reports of a new method of sending emails that appear like legitimate transfer requests.

The Pros: Your information does not have to be listed publicly.  As an added service and increased level of protection, we offer private registration to block your contact information from being harvested and ultimately sold.  Work with someone you trust.  If you ever have a question, just give us a call (317) 847-0302.