Dataflame Hosting Review: You Might Find It Difficult to Leave This Host. Here’s Why.
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Our overview of Dataflame…
Expert Opinion
Hear from our web hosting expert, Claire Broadley.
Best Reviews
See what 15 Dataflame customers have to say.
Hosting Plans
Compare the best Dataflame hosting plans and their prices.
FAQs
Most asked Questions about Dataflame – answered!
Important Update 2018: Dataflame has been merged into Tsohost
Dataflame Introduction
Dataflame is a UK web hosting company that focuses on small business customers. It offers low-cost, entry-level shared hosting front and center, with the option to upgrade to plans with higher capacity.
The company was founded by Duncan Knapper, and subsequently acquired by Paragon Internet Group in 2015. Paragon owns a huge selection of brands, including Tsohost, Vidahost, 5quidhost, Webfaction, Dataflame, Elastichosts, Mr Site, and Hostroute. In turn, Paragon itself is owned by the Host Europe Group.
Dataflame Hosting Plans
Dataflame offers shared hosting for businesses across four price plans. Although allowances are generous, Dataflame limits the number of websites that you can create. It’s notable that backups are included, and the backup feature includes self-restore. This is reasonably rare on shared hosting plans. Site migrations are free, regardless of the control panel or software you are using at your old host.
WordPress hosting is available with very similar specs to shared. Again, the number of websites is very limited.
VPS and dedicated servers are lumped together on one page, as are the Linux and Windows variants for each. Paragon owns its own datacenter, so it’s somewhat surprising that only two dedicated servers are on offer.
There are three reseller plans on sale at Dataflame, all with unlimited customers and bandwidth allowance. However, you’re limited to the number of websites you can create, which means you can’t resell beyond that figure without upgrading your plan.
Dataflame Reviews by Our Community
Overall Rating from 15 Reviews by Dataflame Customers
| Support | |
|---|---|
| Quality | |
| Features | |
| Value |
Most Helpful Reviews
Martin Bean mcbwebdesign.co.uk
Sep 19, 2009
Iain Lightfoot thoughtlounge.co.uk
Aug 10, 2015
My website was built using web builder (WB). Recently the WB software was upgraded which meant that I could no longer make changes to my site… having fought for a week – the company had no backup – was no real help – didnt give me the impression of helping me – my site is now live with no ability to be amended, changed etc.
I have been let down badly and am looking at changing host for my site. I rely on this for my income and losing a 55 page site "just like that" and to be told "oh just start again" is not good enough. Pros – UK based server; 24 hour support; cheap; reliable servers. Cons – Potential to destroy your business!
Andy Cowley 8bitninjas.co.uk
Jun 27, 2012
I’ve used Dataflame for a very long time now. I’ve had very little in the way of issues and I’ve always had excellent support when I’ve needed it. I would and have recommended them to others as well
Dataflame Uptime/Downtime
Dataflame’s About page refers to 100% uptime, but this is misleading, because uptime isn’t actually mentioned on the hosting pages. In the Terms of Service, there’s a 99.9% uptime guarantee, but we found a reference to 99.99% uptime at checkout. It would be wise to clarify this figure if uptime is important to you.
Paragon has its own datacenter in Slough, UK, which is where customers’ websites are hosted. There doesn’t appear to be any other datacenter option for customers elsewhere.
Dataflame Support
Support is offered by an in-house team 24/7 via phone, email, and ticket. Dataflame says that all tickets are answered within 24 hours.
Dataflame Control Panel
VPS and dedicated server plans come with cPanel. But it appears that shared hosting, WordPress hosting, and reseller hosting does not. Dataflame provides an overview of its control panel on its shared hosting page.
While Dataflame will help you to import data from cPanel or Plesk to its own cloud hosting control panel, it doesn’t look like there is an export option to transfer data the other way. If you want to move hosts later, this could make it difficult to take your data with you.
Money-Back Guarantee and Cancellation Policy
If you change your mind about hosting with Dataflame, it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, “no questions asked.” Drilling down into the small print, Dataflame says that you’ll need to provide a reason for your dissatisfaction, and it will refund you if it can’t help.
If you cancel after this period, you’ll get a credit for full unused months on shared hosting only. There are no cash refunds.
Dataflame Summary
Like many of its sister brands, Dataflame specializes primarily in business hosting, and the backup provision is a welcome bonus. The cancellation policy is unusual, and other hosts do better in this area. Before purchasing, compare Dataflame’s business hosting with competing hosts that offer a UK datacenter option.
Most Popular Dataflame Hosting Plans
| Cloud 200 | |
|---|---|
| Disk Space | 2GB |
| Bandwidth | 10GB |
| Price | $3.60 / mo (Billed as $3.60 Per Month) ⓘPrices in are approximate, based on current exchange rates. The host will likely charge you in USD, or at a different exchange rate. Usual price: – Get % off! |
| Visit Dataflame Now |
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Just reading the previous comments on Dataflame and must say I’m disappointed others feel that way. I’ve been with Dataflame for nearly three years now, hosting over 40 websites with them on a reseller package. The uptime, whilst not 100%, doesn’t pose any errors and any down-time isn’t for too long.
Their support is one of the best things about Dataflame. If I have a problem, my first port of call is the live chat function on the company’s web site, and I always get a response and 99% of the time my problem resolved there and then within that conversation. All in all, Dataflame provide a happy hosting experience and I have no qualms or inclination to sever any ties to them.
Although the hosting does come with cPanel, Dataflame are happy to make any required amendments to your server set-up, i.e. if you need a PHP module enabling/installing, etc. It’s this level of human interaction that makes me appreciative of the service Dataflame provides, while also feeling I’m being looked after rather than at the mercy of some multinational organization who doesn’t care much for individuals.