Applied Innovations is a Microsoft Gold Certified hosting provider based in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.A. Founded in 1999, and run by a team of Windows cloud hosting experts, this company specializes in Windows-based hosting solutions for small to medium-sized businesses.
Applied Innovations has a data center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and its sleek website is in English.
Features and Ease of Use
Applied Innovations offers various hosting services, including web hosting, PHP hosting, Windows cloud hosting, Hyper-V Windows virtual private servers, Microsoft SQL Server, and Windows dedicated servers.
The three shared hosting plans – Express, Business, and Cloud Hosting – differ in terms of web space, bandwidth, and the number of websites. However, they share some standard features, including:
- Up to unlimited bandwidth
- 100% uptime SLA
- 24/7 technical support
- Unlimited email accounts
- One-click app installer
- Web-based management interface
- Daily backups
The Express package provides 4 GB disk space, 1,000 GB bandwidth, and three websites, whereas the Business plan includes 6 GB disk space, the same 1,000 GB bandwidth, and five websites. The highest and most expensive Cloud Hosting plan comes with 50 GB disk space, unlimited bandwidth, and an unlimited number of websites.
Although Applied Innovations offers cloud server plans for both Windows and Linux, its fully managed shared hosting accounts are Windows-only. They support MySQL and Microsoft SQL databases, and they allow remote connections via VPN (but not SSH access).
All shared hosting packages can be controlled using the MSPControl control panel that comes with a one-click installer for dozens of applications. I would have liked to see a website builder thrown in for free, too. The control panel isn’t customizable unless you opt for a self-managed cloud server instead, in which case you can install your preferred control panel.
Having daily backups is definitely a plus, although the storage capacity of 4 GB to 50 GB may be considered somewhat limited when compared to what other vendors offer. Additionally, a CDN is not included by default, but you have the option to add it as an extra service.
Pricing and Support
Since Applied Innovations describes its Windows shared hosting as “affordable, reliable and secure shared hosting,” I was slightly taken aback by its monthly prices. For the narrow range of features, the prices seem expensive, although we have to keep in mind that this is managed hosting. You can pay for plans using PayPal or a credit card, and the 30-day refund policy gives you a little time to change your mind.
Applied Innovations provides a knowledge base for self-support as well as telephone, ticket, and email channels for one-to-one support. I couldn’t be more pleased with the 24/7 live chat channel via which a very professional and knowledgeable support agent answered all my questions:
