What Is Microsoft Expression Web And Which Hosting Provider Supports It Best? – A WIHT Comparison

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by Kevin Wood

Last updated: March 21, 2020

Compare Microsoft Expression Web Hosting

What is Microsoft Expression Web Support Hosting?

Microsoft Expression Web is an HTML editor and general web design tool that was developed and released by the Microsoft Corporation.

History of Microsoft Expression Web

When it emerged from development, with the code name Quartz, it was a well-received product designed to take on Macromedia’s Dreamweaver, a leader in the web technology space.

Coming in at about half the price of the Dreamweaver product, the software got some early traction based on favorable reviews and a big price advantage.

It was originally designed to be the successor to Microsoft Frontpage and has some similar features for those who remember using that tool.

However, the product was discontinued, although it is still available as a free download.

Using Microsoft Expression Web

You can still use Microsoft Expression Web to build your site, but be aware that you may not be able to get any support for the software from either Microsoft or your hosting provider.

Before we get to the hosting or the support, let’s take a quick look at what Microsoft Expression Web is—or was.

Microsoft Expression Studio, which is now discontinued, was a suite of Web building and designing tools created in 2005.

Microsoft Expression Web was one tool in the suite—basically an HTML editor, but also software for designing Web pages with PHP, JavaScript, XML, CSS, and a few other languages.

Beware: Expression Web is No Longer Supported

As Expression Web is no longer being developed, it is also no longer supported by Microsoft.

No further versions will be released, and Microsoft Expression Web Support is limited to what Microsoft calls “the established support lifecycle.”

Microsoft regularly retires products as it shifts corporate focus and is known to either completely abandon products or integrate them at down the road into an entirely different product.

Why Would You Use Expression Web?

There are many reasons to use a tool like Expression Web. It can make web design a much easier affair for the right business.

You can access the best in technology for your site. The WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) format means you can see exactly how the page will look as you develop it.

The needs of a site can change over time. Having the ability to directly change a page when these priorities shift can be a smooth, satisfying process.

You can also quickly make changes after the fact. Page management is a simpler affair, as most web page development tools work with the active site and synchronize changes.

How to Get Expression Web

Expression Web is still available to those who want it. While previously a paid tool, it’s now a free download offered on the Microsoft website.

Before downloading, it’s important to consider the lack of support for the software.

It’s also highly unlikely that your hosting provider will be able to provide any sort of support should you choose to build your site with Microsoft Expression Web.

That said, Expression Web offers many benefits and useful features.

Useful Microsoft Expression Studio Features

Even though Microsoft Expression Studio is an older tool, some users still might find it useful.

It’s a very simple software, which can be a benefit for beginner web designers or those who don’t require a complex site builder.

Plus, there are some features that still make it a worthwhile choice, which are highlighted below:

• Default cross-browser compatibility by generating valid CSS and HTML by default
• Built-in code validators
• Ease of use
• Variety of tools, including link checker and site summary
• Built-in preview tool for testing
• Write Microsoft Visual Basic commands to set properties like borders and font options
• Create basic ASP.NET pages, including creating master pages.

You can also create dynamic web templates that aren’t based upon ASP.NET and instead rely on pure HTML. These web templates can then be used to create a series of pages with a similar structure.

High Reviews from Users of Expression Web

Users report that Expression Web simply gets the job done and does it according to industry standards. This is critical for stability, integration, and even search engine performance.

Microsoft has gotten high remarks for the development of this product since the beginning, especially when it comes to the intuitive nature of the management and development interface.

How it Stacks Up to Competitors

With a low training curve and high regard, it may be the tool for you. Expression Web is a competitive option to Macromedia (now known as Adobe) Dreamweaver, especially at the price of free.

A lot of people have been frustrated by the recent move by Adobe to a cloud licensing and app model because of the pricing, subscription basis, and complexity.

This makes Expression Web even more competitive.

Is There a Successor to Expression Web in the Works?

Microsoft is a massive design and software development studio. It is possible that, despite the official retirement of support for this product, there may be a successor in the works.

If Expression Web sounds like it may meet your needs, it is worth a try.

If Microsoft was to resurrect this product in some form, it is probable that it will incorporate a migration from this now-unofficial platform.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Expression Web

Still not sure if it is the right choice for your needs? Consider the pros and cons of Expression Web below.

Pros	Cons
Free to download	No longer supported by Microsoft
Intuitive to use	Not as powerful as other options, such as Dreamweaver
Meets industry standards	Limited integration with PHP and Fireworks
Wide variety of tools	Lack of support means no more updates to tools or bug fixes

How to Publish Your Microsoft Expression Website

If you’ve created a Microsoft Expression website and you’re satisfied with the final design, then it’s time to upload your site to your web server.

If you’ve previously created a Frontpage site that you’d like to upload, then you can use the Frontpage Server Extension from within Expression Web.

The process below will walk you through how to upload your new Expression site.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to have a domain name and a host prior to uploading your site.

1. Obtain your FTP settings and information from your web host. These are normally given to you once you sign up for a host.
2. From within Expression click on the “Site” option and select Publishing Settings.
3. Click the Add button to create a new FTP connection.
4. Enter your FTP details given by your host, and select Add.
5. Congrats! You can now publish your Expression site to your host.

What to Look for in Microsoft Expression Web Hosting?

Since the site you’re creating with Microsoft Expression will be fairly simple you don’t need a web host packed with all the bells and whistles.

However, you probably want a Windows server to host your site, instead of the popular Linux servers. Below you’ll find some of the host features you’ll want to look for:

• Unlimited bandwidth and storage
• A bundled domain name (always nice to have for beginners)
• The option to utilize a SQL server for Windows database creation
• ASP.NET server support
• Solid server uptime
• Multiple FTP account creation
• Control Panel access for easy server management

Top 3 Hosts for Expression Web

Our hosting tool at the top of this page makes it easy to search through dozens of hosts based on the features you are looking for.

Or, you can start by research my top three hosts for Expression Web listed below.

A2 Hosting

If you’re looking for a high-performance Windows host, then A2 Hosting is a solid option.

This host offers high-performance servers at an incredibly cheap price. You don’t have to sacrifice your budget for a high-performing host.

You also have access to other development options like ASP.NET, and Microsoft SQL servers.

It’s also equipped with advanced security measures that’ll help keep your site safe.

HostGator

HostGator offers a great Windows hosting plan for beginners.

Its plan is equipped with the popular Plesk control panel for easy server management and will let you accomplish tasks like email management, quick application deployment, and unlimited FTP account creation.

HostGator’s Windows hosting plans are low-cost, come with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, unlimited MySQL database creation, and a lot more.

Liquid Web

If you’re in the market for a higher-level Windows host then consider Liquid Web’s cloud VPS hosting.

This hosting package is going to be more expensive, but for those who demand more server resources than a basic plan can offer, it’s a necessity.

With this host, you’ll have access to high-level features like advanced security, regular backups, unlimited site creation, an integrated CDN, along with easy server scalability.

Looking for a great deal on Windows hosting?
A2 Hosting scored #1 in our recent speed and performance tests. Their Windows plans provide advanced security and support Microsft Expressions. Right now you can get special pricing on A2 plans by using this discount link.

About Kevin Wood

Kevin got his start as a web developer. Now he spends his time as a technical writer and poet. His main interests are technology and human potential. When he’s not diving headfirst into technical topics, you can find him scrawling lines of poetry and getting lost in the woods.

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