HOSTAFRICA expands African presence with Sasahost acquisition in Kenya
HOSTAFRICA, a top-rated hosting provider, has announced its acquisition of the Kenyan hosting provider Sasahost, effective 1 December 2023. This acquisition marks HOSTAFRICA's eighth strategic acquisition since its inception, significantly bolstering its presence in the Kenyan market following its previous EAC acquisition.
This move is a part of HOSTAFRICA's broader strategy to cement its position as a leading web hosting provider across Africa. With successful expansions into Ghana and Nigeria, the company has now set its sights on deepening its reach in Kenya, continuing its commitment to digital growth and excellence on the continent.
Since its foundation in South Africa, HOSTAFRICA has become a key player in the African hosting market. Strategic acquisitions, such as DomainKing in Nigeria and EAC Directories in Kenya, have been pivotal in achieving its vision of a consolidated digital service landscape. The company offers diverse services tailored to the African market, including web hosting, domain registration and servers.
Sasahost, recognised as a top five Kenyan web hosting provider, brings to HOSTAFRICA a solid local presence and a dedicated customer base. This acquisition is a significant step in HOSTAFRICA's strategy to expand its hosting authority in Kenya and beyond.
Sasahost's CEO, Paul Masibo, is confident that the new acquisition is a perfect fit. He said: “Looking ahead, we're thrilled to share that our new partner is as dedicated to great customer service as we are. They agree that caring for customers is key in business. This matches our values and goals, and we're sure our customers will keep getting the great service they're used to from us.”
Michael Osterloh, Managing Director at HOSTAFRICA, comments on the future outlook: "Growth and expansion are central to our philosophy at HOSTAFRICA. We're scaling not just our services and support, but also our geographic footprint. With our top-rated hosting solutions, our goal is to reach every corner of Africa. Establishing a strong base in Kenya is the beginning of our journey to expand our services throughout the continent."
Starting December 2023, HOSTAFRICA will integrate Sasahost's customers into its platform. This integration aims to be efficient and seamless, prioritising service continuity and introducing advanced features and support. "We are fully aware of the importance of a smooth transition for Sasahost's customers," Osterloh adds. "Our team is committed to ensuring an effortless migration and maintaining our high standards in customer service."
The acquisition is not just about providing state-of-the-art hosting services in Kenya; it's about setting a new standard for hosting in the country. HOSTAFRICA is poised to deliver exceptional technology and service, redefining what it means to be hosted in Africa.
About HOSTAFRICA
Founded in 2008 by Michael Osterloh and experienced hosting entrepreneurs, HOSTAFRICA has rapidly become a pivotal force in Africa's digital landscape. Dedicated to empowering businesses within Africa's burgeoning economy, the company provides a broad spectrum of online solutions, including websites, e-commerce platforms, and VPS services. With operations expanding to Nigeria in 2021 (www.domainking.ng) and Kenya in 2022, HOSTAFRICA has solidified its presence across the continent.
Renowned for its exceptional customer support, HOSTAFRICA has garnered top customer reviews, boasting a 4.9 out of 5 rating on the respected customer review platform HelloPeter. This high level of support is vital for customers new to the online business arena. HOSTAFRICA distinguishes itself by offering personalised support and industry-leading response times, ensuring that all clients, regardless of their experience level, are well-supported in their digital endeavours.
Host Africa (Pty) Ltd trading as HOSTAFRICA has acquired EAC directory, effective 1 December 2022.
In the first of its kind move for the South African hosting company, HOSTAFRICA has fully acquired the Kenyan hosting company EAC directory.
This is another major step in expanding beyond South African borders. On this occasion a steady footprint inside the East African country was the successful target.
This expansion comes hot off the heels of the Digiserv deal that occurred at the start of September 2022.
Michael Osterloh, Managing Director of HOSTAFRICA, remains ecstatic about the acquisition, reiterating that HOSTAFRICA has a duty to unite the fractured hosting industry in Africa and provide each client with the unrivalled support they deserve.
“We’ve made a name for ourselves by putting our clients first. As we expand, we’ll ensure more clients across Africa become accustomed to the accurate and efficient services we provide, not just with our technology, but our support as well.”
To ensure hosting standards remain on par within the Kenyan market, EAC’s team of local experts will remain on board. The former EAC offices will assume a new mast while conforming to the HOSTAFRICA standard and ethos.
Wycliffe Onduu, EAC directory founder, will remain in a Managing Director’s seat to ensure services on the ground within Kenya receive a personal touch. He expressed being tumultuous at the closing of this 17 year long chapter, but confident that the decision would propel growth.
EAC directory has grown to be a major player in the Kenyan hosting industry over the last 17 years. The Kenyan hosting player had started out as a humble directory, but throughout the years evolved into the machine it is today.
With the acquisition, the impact within Kenya is expected to drive the hosting market forward and take HOSTAFRICA one step closer to assuming its role as a global hosting giant.
The teams will work in tandem to ensure the standard in hosting does not drop, but moves at an upward trajectory, similar to HOSTAFRICA’s growth.
Michael shared some of his thoughts on the matter.
“Expanding to a different country can be tricky sometimes, particularly if one isn’t on the ground to ensure everything is running smoothly. EAC directory, however, has made the process completely straightforward and secure.
Having a team of professionals on the ground allows us to get right to the core of what we do best –hosting. Once we’ve settled in Nairobi, we’ll look to expand elsewhere in Africa.”
Media enquiries: marketing@hostafrica.com
Offices: 12 Helena Ave, Helena Heights, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
Host Africa (Pty) Ltd acquires DigiServ Technologies CC
Host Africa (Pty) Ltd has acquired DigiServ Technologies CC, effective 1 September 2022.
The acquisition comes while the metaphorical printing press is hot after the release of the Red Cactus Software CC web client acquisition.
This acquisition meets the projected level of growth for Host Africa (Pty) Ltd, which is gearing towards exponential trajectories. Acquiring DigiServ Technologies cements another step in remedying the fragmented local hosting market.
Managing Director of Host Africa (Pty) Ltd, Michael Osterloh, conveyed a message of excitement about the future of the company saying, “The current surge we’re experiencing takes us a couple of steps ahead of where we planned to be. Exceeding our own and others’ expectations is always satisfying, so we’ll savour this for a moment and move on to the next.”
The deal will see DigiServ Managing Director, Rudi Burger join Host Africa (Pty) Ltd bringing not only his clients, but his esteemed name and skills as well, which he garnered over 20 years in the industry.
“Before I first emailed Michael about the prospect of acquisition I ended up on your website and discovered your Sell your Web Hosting Business page. I am an existing client and was looking at your VPS plans when I stumbled on this page.”
With this acquisition, competition in South Africa’s hosting industry will remain stimulated and promote growth for the local arena.
Michael Osterloh says, “It’s important for the local industry that we and other hosting companies continue to expand and showcase our technological advancements in hosting. Competing not only locally, but on a continental stage should be what each hosting company aspires to.”
In parting with his clients under the DigiServ banner to reassemble under the Host Africa (Pty) Ltd flag, DigiServ Managing Director had this to say: “Thank you for entrusting me with your business through all these years. As I now begin a new journey with HOSTAFRICA, it’s time to grow and take my clients to the next level, making HOSTAFRICA the largest hosting provider on this continent. I strongly believe that this new partnership will consolidate our expertise to provide you with superior customer and technical services.”
Media enquires: marketing@hostafrica.com
Offices: 12 Helena Ave, Helena Heights, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
Host Africa (Pty) Ltd acquires Red Cactus Software CC web hosting clients
Host Africa (Pty) Ltd has acquired the web hosting business of another local hosting and development company, Red Cactus Software CC, effective 01 August 2022.
The opportune acquisition forms part of Host Africa (Pty) Ltd’s continued expansion strategy that saw Red Cactus, a Pretoria-based web hosting company, transfer some 2000 clients to the growing Host Africa (Pty) Ltd servers.
Michael Osterloh, Managing Director of Host Africa (Pty) Ltd says, “By acquiring Red Cactus’ web hosting clients, we’ve continued on our trajectory and expect to reach more milestones in the coming months. Our resilience has not only ensured that we remain operational, but that we keep growing.”
“We've now acquired four hosting companies and three web hosting silos in the last three years. We’ve also expanded our local HOSTAFRICA brand further into Africa with our new Nigeria and Kenya websites.”
This acquisition will transport all Red Cactus Software CC clients to Host Africa (Pty) Ltd shores, allowing access to Host Africa (Pty) Ltd service, support, and what the hosting company describes as “powerful servers, and considerably faster network speeds.”
Red Cactus Software CC serviced and hosted South African clients for 15 years with VPS and Web hosting, both of which Host Africa (Pty) Ltd is comfortable and competent in doing.
Our systems administrators and migration team are hard at work to ensure a seamless migration, while our capable support engineers are at hand to resolve any possible issues.
Media enquires: marketing@hostafrica.com
Offices: 12 Helena Ave, Helena Heights, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
Cape Town –
HOSTAFRICA Makes Dedicated Server, Cloud, and Web Hosting Services More Accessible to Small Businesses
Affordable, high-grade web services are vital to value generation across commercial sectors and industries worldwide. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market value of web hosting services stood at $75 billion in 2020. That figure is projected to reach $267 billion by 2028 — a compound annual growth rate of 18%. The African economy is poised to drive a sizable portion of that growth as digital communications infrastructure expands across the continent, making internet connectivity available to more businesses.
But the COVID-19 pandemic was a setback for those expectations, as a combination of lockdowns and economic contractions stalled many businesses as consumers stayed home. While the dire situation tested B2B partnerships, it also provided ways to add value to them.
That is particularly true of relationships between web services providers and their customers, as is the experience of South Africa-based HOSTAFRICA. Host Africa (Pty) Ltd was founded in 2008 and focuses mainly on SMB needs. Its portfolio of products and services covers nearly everything a top web services provider offers — from managed hosting to dedicated servers and other value-added offerings.
When HostingAdvice.com first spoke to HOSTAFRICA in September 2020, the self-funded company was preparing to introduce more managed services, including WordPress, ecommerce tools, and container management services Docker and Kubernetes.
Since then, the company has enhanced its reputation for exceptional customer service by offering extra support to help businesses survive the economic hardship caused by the pandemic.
“Our customers have been hit really hard — and we have tried to find ways to support them rather than seeing them feel compelled to cancel their contracts with us,” said Ethan McPherson, Business Development Manager at HOSTAFRICA. “It has been the inspiration of some creative thinking when it comes to pricing and billing.”
HOSTAFRICA acquires Nigerian web hosting company, DomainKing
We are pleased to announce that Domainking.ng is now a part of the HOSTAFRICA family. Domainking.ng; is one of the larger Nigerian shared web hosting companies whom focus on affordable website hosting and domain name registrations. Domainking pays particular attention to offering the ‘.ng’ domain name extension; with a domain market share of more than 6%.
This move, accelerates our efforts to expand into Africa. It is our intention to continue the company’s growth within the African Continent, providing world-class services and customer support. Bringing Domainking.ng onboard will be a starting point to establish quality hosting and web services within key economic hubs of Africa. We are always on the look out for opportunities that align with our values of world class services at a cost that suits the African business climate.
HOSTAFRICA’s services include web hosting, domain registration, dedicated servers and VPS/cloud servers. With steep competition within this space, those that thrive have to be one of the best. We have been providing online services since 2008 and quickly followed our path of organic growth coupled with acquiring companies that fit within our core values and service offering.
Though we have seen steady growth in the last few years it is always advantageous to bring in an established business. Especially in unfamiliar geographical territory. It helps us that the ground work has been done, allowing us to then apply our in-house expertise to achieve accelerated expansion and improvements in systems, where needed.
We are very excited about the prospect of serving the Nigerian web hosting and domain name community. Nigeria is a country that boasts a population almost 4 times the size of South Africa. With an established, evolving and ever diversifying economy. We believe the future of Nigeria and it’s online businesses are set for bright times.”
Domainking.ng will benefit from the expertise, contacts and business systems that HOSTAFRICA will impart. Momentum is key to keeping business relevant within the hosting sector in Nigeria. This industry is ready for new products and improvements, which the HOSTAFRICA team of dedicated and passionate web hosting experts, will bring. HOSTAFRICA appreciates the opportunity to enter the growing online market within Nigeria, and looks forward to providing truly reliable, local hosting.
Being experienced in purchasing smaller hosting companies to complement our businesses growth. HOSTAFRICA is well versed in the processes needed to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved in the purchase of Domainking.ng.
Our priority is to our newly acquired customer base. Ensuring the transition is very smooth with zero interruption to the service provided.
The acquisition speaks volumes of the recent growth HOSTAFRICA has experienced. Being 100% self funded, this acquisition strengthens the position of the company and opens the way for a quick uptake and transition of Domainking.ng.
Media enquires: marketing@hostafrica.com
Offices: 12 Helena Ave, Helena Heights, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
Cape Town –
South Africa’s HOSTAFRICA acquires Cape-based Clickworks Internet
Host Africa (Pty) Ltd, trading as HOSTAFRICA, has acquired Clickworks Internet Ltd, effective 1 December 2020.
The company could not divulge the monetary value of the deal.
Clickworks Internet is a Cape Town-based web hosting company and according to HOSTAFRICA this latest acquisition is a continuation of its expansion strategy.
Michael Osterloh, Managing Director of HOSTAFRICA says, “We are very fortunate to be in a position where we can support thousands of businesses during the COVID-19 crises as they’re forced online years ahead of their time to survive.”
“I founded HOSTAFRICA not only to meet the substantial demand for cloud services in South Africa but to do it with an unparalleled dedication to supporting our clients who need them. This will remain the way we do business regardless of how many companies we acquire.”
The deal means that Clickworks Internet clients will have access to HOSTAFRICA’s service, support and what the hosting company describes as “powerful servers, and considerably faster network speeds.”
Jonathan Oaker, Director of Clickworks Internet says, “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with significant challenges but has also made it clear that the ecommerce and the digital revolution is here to stay. Massive growth in users going online saw us unable to keep up with the demand so, in order to cater for all our clients’ needs, I made the strategic decision to be acquired by a larger hosting company.”
According to the companies Oaker will stay on-board to ensure a smooth transition.
He adds, “I feel excited about the benefit of the acquisition to our clients. HOSTAFRICA being the number one hosting provider in South Africa, we know our clients are in good hands with support from their knowledgeable and friendly staff.”
Divine acquisition
In April this year HOSTAFRICA acquired the web-hosting silo of Cape-based web hosting and web design company Divine Online Solutions.
Ruan van der Westhuizen, Director of Divine Online Solutions, said at the time: “We believe this partnership will consolidate expertise to provide our valued web hosting clients with superior customer and technical services, especially important in this time of great uncertainty, as well as give us the time to focus on our passion - our web design business.”
As a result of the merger, Divine Online customers will have access to HOSTAFRICA’s service, client support and their cloud services.
How HOSTAFRICA earned their number one spot in the ISP industry
The company
HOSTAFRICA was founded with the purpose of providing South Africans with top-quality cloud solutions and web hosting services. Too often South African companies amass customers and neglect to care for them once payment is received.
We decided to be the hosting company to provide our customers with world-class support. We at HOSTAFRICA know we provide the best service in South Africa, and our customers know it too. However, if a company’s public reputation doesn’t emanate that, it may as well not be true. Their online presence and brand reputation are vital.
The challenge
We’re a small company and didn’t have the resources to spend on costly advertising to pay for a trustworthy reputation. Instead, we needed to utilise that which we already invest time, money and effort into daily: providing outstanding service.
If we could let our excellent performance speak for itself and our customers spread the word, then we could get the exposure we needed to reach potential customers.
The solution
Hellopeter is the largest, most trustworthy review platform in South Africa. It gives all companies a fair, fighting chance to prove their integrity, and gives customers a voice to be heard by everyone, including potential customers.
Hellopeter gave us the opportunity to build a trustworthy reputation online from the ground up through dedication to each and every customer.
We put in the hours and worked for years, treating customers with the highest regard; and our customers rewarded us for it by sharing their experiences on Hellopeter.
The results
We have earned the #1 spot in the ISP industry and built a trustworthy reputation online. Our public presence has expanded exponentially. Most of our searches online are brand name searches, meaning they are looking for us directly. Our brand name is now our biggest marketer thanks to word-of-mouth.
Furthermore, we know even a single bad review could deter a potential customer, so customer reviews hold us accountable whenever we fall short of our standard and push us to constantly be better, as well as give us the opportunity to make things right with customers we let down. This benefits everyone involved.
South Africa-based web hosting company HOSTAFRICA, trading as HOSTAFRICA, has acquired Divine Online Solutions’ web hosting business.
In a statement released by the company, Divine Online Solutions is defined as a Cape-based web hosting and web design company.
Ruan van der Westhuizen, Director of Divine Online Solutions says, “We believe this partnership will consolidate expertise to provide our valued web hosting clients with superior customer and technical services, especially important in this time of great uncertainty, as well as give us the time to focus on our passion - our web design business.”
As a result of the merger, Divine Online customers will have access to HOSTAFRICA’s service, client support and their cloud services.
Michael Osterloh, Managing Director of HOSTAFRICA, says: “The last year has been a period of immense growth and success for HOSTAFRICA. Current events have forced most companies to work from home and take their operations online. Now more than ever businesses depend on web hosting and internet companies. We at HOSTAFRICA specifically host server infrastructure that allow hospitals, medical companies, ecommerce businesses, financial institutions and other essential businesses to operate uninterrupted during COVID-19 Lockdown."
“It is crucial that we hosting companies do our part to support the nation with the highest quality services. It’s easy to get discouraged in times like these but we see great potential and expect more acquisitions to come,” he continues.
In March 2020 the company announced the acquisition of Gweb Hosting and Hob Host. It also owns VPS.co.za, Cloud.co.za and AmpleHosting.
HOSTAFRICA made headlines in September 2019 after confirming its merge with hosting market specialist firm Greycell CC, trading as AmpleHosting.co.za.
HOSTAFRICA remains online during COVID-19 SA lockdown
Dear valued customers,
As you know by now South Africa will go into a national lockdown on Friday, 27 March, which will last for 21 days.
It’s been a time of huge change and uncertainty for all of us, and our hearts go out to anybody who has already been directly affected by the outbreak.
As the impact of the crisis escalates, we’re fully committed to continuing to provide you with the service and support you need.
We at HOSTAFRICA are fortunate that we can operate 100% online and thanks to our COVID-19 Contingency Plan we already have all our employees working safely from home. We guarantee you uninterrupted service and to the same outstanding level as usual. This also means operating hours remain the same.
Nobody’s certain what the next few months will look like, but we promise we are here for you every step of the way and will support you as you support us.
Stay safe,
The HOSTAFRICA team
Cape Town –
COVID-19 Contingency Plan
Dear clients, partners and suppliers,
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have put the following measures in place to ensure that we continue to provide our clients with uninterrupted service.
As of yesterday, and until further notice we are working remotely from our respective homes or safe places of choice.
Moreover, all our Datacenter providers have established a screening process for all persons entering Datacenter facilities.
Most importantly, all of us at HOSTAFRICA will remain available to assist you telephonically and via email/ticket. Business hours remain unchanged.
Our priority remains the health and safety of our clients and employees and ensuring that essential staff continue to run our operation for your benefit and remain healthy enough to do so.
Should you have any concerns in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@hostafrica.com
SA’s HOSTAFRICA expands with two more acquisitions
South Africa-based web hosting company Host Africa, trading as HOSTAFRICA, has acquired two more pure web hosting companies Gweb Hosting and Hob Host, effective 1 March 2020.
HOSTAFRICA made headlines in September 2019 after confirming its merge with hosting market specialist firm Greycell CC, trading as AmpleHosting.co.za.
HOSTAFRICA believes the latest deal will give impetus to the company’s expansion efforts in the local fragmented hosting market.
“This buy-out is another great step forward in our continued expansion strategy,” said Michael Osterloh, Managing Director of HOSTAFRICA.
“As our economy deteriorates, South African hosting companies struggle to stay afloat or invest in necessary technological advancements to stay competitive. We need to work together to support each other. Local hosting companies like us are not only vital to the South African economy financially, but cloud technology is the future that South African businesses need if they wish to stay relevant and competitive.”
HOSTAFRICA stated that following this acquisition, Gweb Hosting and Hob Host customers will benefit from its servers being located in certified datacentres in South Africa “to ensure lowest possible latency if clients.”
Harvest Oberietarhe, chief executive officer of Gweb Hosting and Hob Host said: “I have the utmost confidence in Michael. Having done three successful acquisitions and mergers in the past five years, they know how to ensure a smooth transition and successive growth. I believe my valued clients will be in the best hands as I step down to pursue other avenues in life.”
HOSTAFRICA Hosting – Built for Speed, Reliability, and Security
Michél, manager of the Marketing Department at HOSTAFRICA, talks to us about the features included in their hosting packages, assuring no hidden costs. Their team of highly skilled developers, administrators, and managers from both Germany and South Africa have more than 15 years of international experience and a high-level skill set between them. And, since they only use renowned hardware brands and software solutions, your site is optimized for reliability and high availability.
This interview was originally published on February 28, 2020
Can users register, purchase, and transfer domains through HOSTAFRICA?
Certainly. We run a domain check to search the availability of the requested domain, and if available, we purchase it on their behalf. We automatically send the data to the responsible registrar, and users can maintain their domain data at all times within our Client Area.
We offer over 30 of the most popular domain extensions in South Africa, such as .org, .com, and .net, plus others not included upon request.
Moreover, HOSTAFRICA is a .co.za domain registrar, which means that when you order one of our Web or CMS Hosting packages, you get a .co.za domain for free. We also offer advanced DNS management, multi-year registration, and free expert support.
Users wanting to transfer domains to HOSTAFRICA can initiate the process by submitting a transfer request on our website or via a support ticket, and we will notify the registrar who handles the process from there.
Alternatively, we also offer users the ability to resell domain names with a HOSTAFRICA domain reseller account. Users save up to 30% on list prices, incur no monthly fees, and keep the profit they make. Our program features comprehensive DNS management, a reseller client area, and free WHMCS, API, Blesta integration. Resellers can easily register, transfer & manage domains in their client area. They just sign up and start earning.
What shared hosting plans do you offer?
Our Web Hosting, CMS and ecommerce Hosting, Web Resellers, and Site Builder plans all run on shared web hosting servers.
HOSTAFRICA’s Web Hosting packages are hosted on SSD servers in South Africa to ensure low latency. Our web hosting runs on the cPanel control panel and is the cheapest web hosting option available, starting at R69 per month. We provide vulnerability detection and patching, unlimited web traffic, and 99.9% uptime. Also included is a free .co.za domain, disk storage up to 40 GB, SQL databases, a free SSL Certificate, up to unlimited emails, up to 4 GB of RAM, up to 3 CPU units, PHP, FTP account(s) and daily automatic incremental backups of customers’ data.
Alternatively, our Web Hosting Reseller program allows users to sell their own web hosting, which is fully white-labeled and supports WHMCS integration. From R249 per month, resellers benefit from our infrastructure and keep the profit they make. Clients can buy bundled cPanel accounts, SSD storage, unlimited SQL Databases, and unlimited traffic for reasonable prices. Their account includes Softaculous for 1-click install applications, South African based servers, PHP, web host manager, free emails, automatic backups, malware scanning, virus, and spam protection.
What is included with your WordPress hosting plan?
We offer four hosting plans, tailored for different needs. However, all will automatically install and configure WordPress, free of charge. One free “.co.za” domain is included, and all HOSTAFRICA’s WordPress servers run on Solid-State Drives as well as utilize LiteSpeed Cache. This powerful plugin communicates with our SSD storage to statically cache your dynamic WordPress pages and significantly reduce your site’s page load time.
Our WordPress hosting runs on cPanel, a full-featured control panel that allows customers to easily manage their domain(s) through a web interface. cPanel comes with cPHulk brute force server-wide protection against hacking.
Additionally, we automatically backup our clients’ data daily; it’s part of all our packages. If things go wrong, simply ask for a restore at any time.
Do you offer any ecommerce hosting?
Our web hosting is based on cPanel Control Panel that runs Softaculous, which supports 39 ecommerce applications. These apps can be installed from your cPanel management console in just a few clicks. No technical skills needed.
Amongst the most popular ecommerce applications we offer are WooCommerce, PrestaShop, osCommerce, OpenCart, Magento, AbanteCart, and CubeCart. These plans are priced the same as our WordPress hosting.
What apps are available for installation?
Softaculous for cPanel can install all apps needed. There are hundreds of apps available for anything from blogging, forums, portals/CMS, and ecommerce to project/ad/file management, gaming, emails, and analytics.
What dedicated server plans do you offer?
Our Linux VPS plans are hosted on physical servers that support all major Linux distributions. Containers are powered by Virtuozzo 7 and powerful SSDs. Servers are hosted in a South African Data Center to ensure low latency. Prices range from R100 for 10 GB SSDs, 1 GB RAM, and 1 CPU vCore to R2,480 for 500 GB SSD, 32 GB RAM, and 12 CPU vCores. We also accommodate users who need a custom plan built.
Furthermore, we have a new product launching soon: dedicated Windows Cloud Servers for R3,000 per month. Dedicated starter resources will be as follows: 1 Xeon E5 2680 12 core (24 threads), fully virtualized, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, 1 TB Local Enterprise SSDs in Raid 10, 4 TB Traffic, 200Mbit Outbreak, Dual Power supply, Redundant Uplink.
Customers can build and add as many resources as you need. There is the option to have your server managed for 50% of the server price.
Are there any advantages to Cloud Hosting over VPS?
Indeed, there are. Our Cloud servers are powered by Virtuozzo Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), which is full virtualization. The advantage of these virtual machines is that they run on their own kernel. This means there are no limitations on how users can customize their machines. Subsequently, users are also able to mount a custom Operating System ISO, as opposed to VPS containers that can only run mainstream Linux distributions and share the kernel with the host. Moreover, custom kernels allow users to upgrade their operating systems without reinstalling the template and as well as use software containers for nested virtualization.
Lastly, our Cloud servers are based in South Africa, starting at R130 per month. Both our Linux and Windows Cloud Server plans include unlimited bandwidth, one free static IP address, up to 500 GB of SSD storage, 32 GB of RAM, and 16 CPU vCores. Of course, we can accommodate any needs that fall outside of our current packages.
For those who wish to start a business reselling their own Virtual Servers, they can sign up for our HOSTAFRICA VPS Reseller program. Users can resell SSD Linux VPS, Linux, and Windows Cloud servers with WHMCS and API integration. Resellers choose from servers hosted in South Africa or international locations, as well as a range of OS templates. Our program saves resellers up to 20% on list prices and includes cPanel/Plesk/Remote Desktop. No capital outlay is required, and servers are fully white-labeled.
How does your Website Builder work?
Using our website builder is as easy as dragging and dropping what you want, where you want it. Customizing it is just as easy, and absolutely no coding skills are needed. We have a free interactive demo so users can and see how simple it is. Users can even import their current website or create a new one.
Our builder packages include SEO tools, email accounts, quality templates, Google Analytics integration, automatic backups.
Do you have migration services for customers with existing web sites?
Definitely, we’ve made migrating to HOSTAFRICA absolutely effortless for customers. We will transfer their domain for free.
First, we’ll migrate a client’s website content and emails. Second, we’ll request the transfer of their domain name to us. Lastly, once the domain name is transferred, we’ll point their account to our servers. There’s only minimum downtime required, and we’ll give new customers three months of free hosting, allowing them time to settle in.
Are backup and recovery services available?
We offer Acronis™ based online backups. Clients can safeguard their PC, laptop, and mobile data.
Our server edition provides a reliable backup of virtual and dedicated server systems, as well as business-critical applications, such as MS SharePoint, Exchange, MS-SQL, and MySQL.
Customers can restore individual files or an entire backup using the web-based control console. They can easily download items from the built-in backup browser. Furthermore, a single backup package covers an unlimited number of devices.
Lastly, we also offer the option to resell Acronis™ cloud backup storage. This is especially appealing to our Virtual Server resellers who need to protect data on their clients’ servers, devices, and business-critical applications. With our online backup reseller account, users can buy white-labeled cloud storage below list price and sell it for profit.
How are your servers protected against hackers and other cyber threats?
We cannot reveal the full extent of our security measures as attackers may be able to use this information to their advantage.
We do not provide security on our VPSs as they are unmanaged and, therefore, the responsibility of the customer to implement the security measures they deem necessary.
With regards to our shared web hosting servers, we ensure that the servers are always updated to the latest version of cPanel and employ a firewall, among numerous other security measures.
What support services are available to your customers?
We provide support to customers via ticket, Slack, Livechat, email, and phone from 8 am to 5 pm. There will always be an expert on the other side of your problem, ready to listen and act. If necessary, we even provide after-hours support via our ticketing system for all our customers. We also employ 24/7 monitoring of our infrastructure.
The scope of support we offer varies throughout the many different services we sell, but as a principle, we strive to always provide outstanding support that is personal, efficient, relevant, and timely.
South Africa-based web hosting company HOSTAFRICA has confirmed its merge with Greycell CC, trading as AmpleHosting.co.za, and its multi-million Rand acquisition of the hosting market specialist company.
Effective from 1 September 2019, the deal opens the three-year-old company to additional human capital, suppliers, domains, technical equipment and customers. This is not HOSTAFRICA’s first acquisition – In December 2016, the company acquired VPS Networks to strengthen its cloud focus.
AmpleHosting.co.za has 15 years’ experience in pure web hosting, and an established base of 3,500 customers. The company specialises in easy initiation and integration of domains “using software that allows customers meticulous control of their websites and services.”
HOSTAFRICA is focused on cloud and virtual private server solutions across multiple operating systems, with servers based both locally and internationally.
It competes with domains.co.za, Xneelo (previously Hetzner) and 1-Grid.
HOSTAFRICA says it is difficult for small enterprises to compete against multinational corporations that use their substantial amount of resources to dominate the South African hosting market.
“Right now, the market is fragmented with many small hosting companies who cannot make significant waves, stay relevant or keep up with rapid advancement in technology. Joining forces and expertise with other companies, as well as ensuring delivery of unparalleled customer service will increase our competitiveness. HOSTAFRICA pursues a clear buy-and-build strategy. We carefully evaluated the hosting market for formidable partners that would strengthen our position in the hosting market. We reached out to AmpleHosting and opened discussions for mutual benefit. It was in both our best interests to unify and move forward stronger,” the company stated.
AmpleHosting does not offer VPS/Cloud solutions to its customers, only web hosting.
Following this acquisition, AmpleHosting customers will eventually gain access to HOSTAFRICA’s products such as Linux Virtual Private Hosting, Linux Cloud Hosting, Windows Cloud Hosting, VPS Reselling, as well as new products at HOSTAFRICA such as WordPress Hosting and Acronis Backups.
In the short term, according to information supplied, the AmpleHosting.co.za website will be updated with HOSTAFRICA branding, and its customer portal integrated, along with technical support and 24/7 monitoring.
The companies also promise improved customer support and longer service hours.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to combine our expertise and move forward stronger” says Graham Paine, chief executive officer of Greycell CC.
Mr Paine will become a partner of HOSTAFRICA and Head of Product Management.
Michael Osterloh, Founder and Managing Director of HOSTAFRICA, as well as the owner of CLOUD.co.za and VPS.co.za, says “We believe joining forces will stimulate the hosting industry and increase competition. HOSTAFRICA has grown considerably in size and experience over the last three years. We intend to keep driving this momentum forward. We have more strategic partnerships and acquisitions planned that we believe will also be future successes.”
HOSTAFRICA introduces South African based cloud backup
HOSTAFRICA has released a new Cloud based backup solution based on enterprise grade backup software.
This makes HOSTAFRICA one of the first South African hosting providers that offers a Cloud Based Enterprise Grade Backup solution.
Be protected from ransomware
Due to the fact that all the backups are essentially time-based snapshots, users can recover from Ransomware attacks or accidental data deletion as they can then choose the last known good copy to restore their data.
Users can flexibly setup backup schedules and restore points.
With an intuitive user-friendly interface, the solution is suited for business of all sizes.
Data loss will no longer be a risk. Restores can be done granularly at either file or image level.
This allows you to back up a whole PC or Server and do a Bare Metal Restore to a new machine in case of hardware failure.
Backups are scheduled to run at a time and speed set by the user, thus enabling full control over network usage and possible congestion.
PC, Server, Virtual Machine backups
The solution is available as a standalone package for Office365 Backup, PC Backup, Virtual Machines or Servers.
Backups range from Full Image Backups through to File Based Backups.
What makes the so attractive is that only the first backup is a full backup. Future backups are subsequently incremental backups, thus only backing up data which has changed.
This saves a large amount of bandwidth – one of the major obstacles of Cloud backups solutions in South Africa.
Be secure – Fully redundant and encrypted
All data is stored in a high-redundancy environment and data is secured by encryption.
The end user can also specify additional encryption using a unique key to which only the user has access.
Backup plans start from R249 for single PC up to R1299 for full server backups including SQL databases.
HOSTAFRICA acquires VPS Networks as it continues to roll out its growth strategy in the South African Hosting Market
HOSTAFRICA acquires VPS Networks (cloud.co.za and vps.co.za), including its employees, technical equipment and customers, effective December 1, 2016. This acquisition will strengthen the strong cloud focus of the South African Hosting Provider further. The acquisition is backed by the Swiss investment company Concorde Industries.
(Cape Town, 08 Dec 2016) VPS Networks is one of South Africa’s oldest providers of virtual servers. The private company has vast expertise in cloud solutions and is able to tailor a service to any server hosting requirement. It offers a fully-automated portfolio of products, including small development servers and larger cloud servers for both Windows and Linux. Both companies, HOSTAFRICA and VPS Networks, share the same vision with a strong focus on customers and technical innovation.
“With our brands cloud.co.za and vps.co.za we grew more than 30% in the last year and we have been searching for a strong partner to facilitate continued growth”, says David Venter, Managing Director of VPS Networks. “And we found just such a partner in HOSTAFRICA. We couldn’t be happier to be part of the team.”
Venter will join the HOSTAFRICA team as CTO and his team will ensure that HOSTAFRICA goes from strength to strength. Current VPS Networks customers will be relieved to hear that nothing about VPS Networks’ services will change, apart from the invoicing, which will now be done by HOSTAFRICA.
HOSTAFRICA’s build & buy strategy
As a significant milestone, HOSTAFRICA’s major acquisition of VPS Networks marks an important step in fostering the company’s growth in the South African hosting market. HOSTAFRICA is focusing on organic growth while completing its portfolio with strategically relevant acquisitions.
“The takeover of VPS Networks by HOSTAFRICA is a coup for the fast growing South African hosting industry,” says Michael Osterloh, CEO of HOSTAFRICA. “The demand for cloud infrastructure continues to grow year on year. HOSTAFRICA believes that moving forward with an acquisition will help provide an extended and updated product portfolio to its clients, keeping them consistently competitive and relevant.”
The acquisition was supported by the Swiss investment company Concorde Industries, which became a shareholder in HOSTAFRICA during the acquisition. In partnership with HOSTAFRICA, the new investor is planning further strategic acquisitions in the South African hosting market.
