www.netfirms.com have what they call clustered hosting. Is it good ? Is it just shared hosting that uses several servers ? How would it be compared to a VPS?
From all the reviews that I have seen and heard about their "enterprise" plans, It is really just another form of shared hosting... If you are thinking about hosting a site that will need any type of MYSQL or database function, turn around and look for another host. Also, If you want support, you should never go here...
I have never use the netfirms.com yet,but seems it didn't up to the top 10 web hosting Rank at the most of webmaster's page.Like my web hosting Rank site.lol,but never mind,find out more information if you want to buy it.
Netfirms has several hosting related issues - their uptime isn't as good, their implementation of mod_rewrite is different from most, some issues with php / mysql. It's ok if you are using just php, or plain html. Their clustered plans are just another shared hosting, afaik. On the other hand, their domain pricing and service there is pretty good - plus their live chat is responsive.
I have bought domian once with Netfirms befroe,but they cancel it within the several days(Not exceed to the ten days),and i have to email to support for this problem,I didn't get any reason,just refund my money.
Netfirms likes to verify the domain registration, if they feel that there is a problem with the credit card or if there are too many purchases within a short time they ask for a phone number or sometimes reject the order. Usually you can go on live chat and get it resolved. I booked once for a company, gave the contact as " General Manager" - they kept it on hold till I clarified. After that, no issues about domain. If only they'd switch to Cpanel and clear up their server problems, I'd have no issues with them. Support is better than most hosts I've seen, but the uptime performance and control panel / mysql / mod rewrite and other issues are just too much. I use that now for some testing / utility scripts, but nothing mission critical or revenue generating.
I use them, and my users keep complaining about all the errors on my blogs/forums because Netfirms' SQL is down often. Don't use Netfirms if you plan to use SQL databases. Namely don't use Netfrims if you plan to use a php-based forum such as phpBB or blog such as Wordpress.