What Happens When Your Web Hosting Company Gets Acquired?

Overview

In the fast-paced world of web hosting, acquisitions are a common occurrence. For customers, however, the acquisition of their hosting provider can bring about uncertainty. Will your hosting experience change? What steps should you take to protect your website and data? This guide will walk you through what to expect when your web hosting company gets acquired, the changes to look out for, and tips on navigating the transition smoothly—whether you choose to stay with the new company or migrate to another provider.

What to Expect When Your Hosting Provider is Acquired

Acquisitions can bring positive improvements, like enhanced features and better infrastructure, or they may signal changes in pricing, support quality, and service offerings. Here’s what to expect:

• Changes in Ownership and Culture: The acquiring company’s business model, priorities, and support culture may affect customer experience.
• Updates to Service Offerings: New products, bundled features, and integrations may be introduced, along with changes to existing packages.
• Potential Price Adjustments: Hosting plans and prices may be adjusted as the new company implements its pricing strategy.

Steps to Protect Your Data and Services

When a hosting provider changes hands, taking proactive steps to safeguard your data is essential. Here are some measures to consider:

1. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Even if your hosting provider offers backups, it’s wise to perform manual backups of your website, databases, and emails. Storing backups locally or using a third-party cloud storage provider ensures you can quickly restore your site if needed.

2. Review Your Service Agreement

Read through the updated Terms of Service (ToS) and Service Level Agreement (SLA) provided by the new company. Look for clauses related to uptime guarantees, data security, and pricing changes. This will help you understand any changes to your level of service.

3. Secure Login Credentials

When a company is acquired, there’s an increased risk of phishing attempts. Make sure your passwords are strong and consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) if the option is available. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from your hosting provider.

4. Monitor Your Billing Statements

After the acquisition, carefully monitor your billing statements for any unexpected charges. Confirm that your billing information is accurate, and watch out for price hikes or new fees.

Common Changes in Billing, Support, and Features

Acquisitions often bring about changes that impact your hosting experience directly. Here’s a closer look at what these changes might entail:

1. Billing and Pricing Changes

The acquiring company may alter billing cycles, change renewal rates, or introduce new fees. If you notice any billing irregularities, reach out to support for clarification. It’s also a good idea to confirm whether your current hosting plan price is “grandfathered” or if new pricing will apply upon renewal.

2. Support Quality and Availability

Support quality can be a significant point of change. If the new company outsources support or reduces support hours, response times may increase. Check if support is available 24/7 or if there are any restrictions. Customers may also need to adapt to new support systems, which could require creating new login credentials.

3. Feature Changes and Service Offerings

The new provider may offer additional features like enhanced security, increased storage, or new control panels. However, existing features you rely on could be discontinued. Keep an eye on announcements for any feature changes or removals, and prepare to adapt your site accordingly if needed.

Signs It Might Be Time to Consider a New Provider

While change is inevitable during an acquisition, certain red flags could indicate it’s time to look for a new host. Here are some common signs:

1. Deterioration in Support Quality

If support response times increase or you experience challenges reaching support teams, it could signify that the new provider prioritizes volume over quality. Consistent support is essential for maintaining website uptime and handling technical issues, so don’t hesitate to consider a new host if support quality drops.

2. Frequent Outages and Downtime

Unplanned downtime is a major red flag for any website. If your site’s reliability suffers following the acquisition, it could indicate issues with the new provider’s infrastructure. This is particularly crucial for businesses, as downtime can lead to lost revenue and impact search engine rankings.

3. Price Hikes and New Fees

Unreasonable price hikes or unexpected fees can be a dealbreaker. Some providers introduce “fine print” fees that go unnoticed until they appear on your bill. If the new pricing no longer fits your budget, it might be time to shop around for a provider with a transparent pricing model.

4. Discontinued Features You Rely On

If essential features you use daily (like control panels, email, or developer tools) are discontinued or replaced with inferior alternatives, the transition may not be worthwhile. Ensure the new provider offers the features that align with your needs or consider migrating.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Whether you choose to stay with the new provider or find another host, these tips can help make the process smooth:

• Request Detailed Communication: Ask for updates from your provider regarding any changes. Many companies will offer transition guides to help customers understand new systems and processes.
• Test the New Environment: If the provider introduces new software, control panels, or support systems, test them to familiarize yourself with the new environment.
• Consider Migration Options: If you’re dissatisfied, prepare a migration plan. Look for hosting providers with dedicated migration services that make transferring your site easy and minimize downtime.
• Monitor Website Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics, Pingdom, or Uptime Robot to monitor your website’s uptime and performance. This can help you gauge whether the new provider’s infrastructure is reliable.