I have a client who is going to be switching to the hosting service 1and1. I'm not sure why.
While WordPress is the most used cms/blogging tool on the planet, 1and1 does not have a way to install it easily. I couldn't believe it. I called and got their sales.
“Is there some sort of 1 click install for Worpress? I see you have 1 click installs for other software (like joomla)” I asked. No (the sales associate replied) we do not have that solution. You can upload wordpress via ftp and use it that way. We have plenty of client who use WordPress.
I asked, “Is that something you do for your clients” I asked.
“No,” he replied. “You need to upload it via ftp.”
I've installed WordPress “via ftp” before. It's not impossible. I'm just blown away. I see 1and1 advertised everywhere. To be this “well known” and not have an uber way to install this incredibly popular software titles is really surprising. As it only takes about 5-10 minutes to install, I'm surprised they don't offer that for free (or a minimal fee).
To me this is like going to a restaurant where they serve neither Coke or Pepsi. But they serve soda water and flavorings
I have used 1&1 for 3 or 4 years (I should look and see when I started there). At the time installing WordPress by FTP was the way I had always done it before. It was not a big deal to me, but I can see where it would be daunting to someone who has never done it. And, I agree, there should be a way to 1-click install.
However, I have been very pleased with 1&1. My previous host would have some kind of major downtime or server crash once a year. I didn’t always lose stuff, but once I did. Devastating. I had backups that I was able to restore from, but the hosts backups were hosed.
The biggest advantage I have found with 1&1 is the unlimited data transfer. I have never had a podcast go viral and stick me with a huge bandwidth bill, but with 1&1 I don’t have to worry about that.
I am sure there are people who provide WP installation for a fee. Maybe I should look into making that a work-from-home business for myself. Great idea!