CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOLUTION
Bitcatcha is an authority in solutions that help websites grow. This means we look towards all facets of web technology that can play a role in improving not just website performance, but even digital security.
Through a clear and precise methodical process, our aim is to help you find the best fit for your business. This helps not just identify what's ideal, but also alternatives that give you greater flexibility.
At the moment, Bitcatcha tracks technology and product development in the following areas of focus:
- Web Hosting
- Website Builders
- Virtual Private Networks
- Password Managers
- Cloud Storage
WEB HOSTING
The core foundation of any digital presence, web hosting is the bedrock of your online presence. The performance, reliability, and features offered by your web host play a critical role in your ongoing efforts to capture the attention of your target audience.
Hosting with a good partner can increase your brand reputation, allow greater breadth of choice in website features, increase traffic volume, and more. Hosting can come at significant prices so we also do help find the best balance available.
Key areas we assess:
- Performance
Speed is the lifeblood of any web hosting provider. Slow websites suffer many drawbacks from impacted search rankings to poor user experience. Aside from that, uptime can also affect how your site is perceived.
- Features
Aside from simply helping you store and serve files, web hosts often offer value added features. These include everything from specific environment support to backup tools. Some also include resources like templates.
- Customer Support
Everyone needs a bit of help from time to time. We expect web hosting providers to offer not just the right mix of support channels, but also the necessary expertise through them.
- Scalability
Websites, especially those which are business-oriented, need room to grow. Having it all on one host makes things easier for you in the long run. Moving a website to another host can cost you significant time and money.
WEBSITE BUILDERS
Many businesses today are looking to establish a quick online presence. Website builders help smaller ones do so without the need to onboard IT talent or outsource to developers. However, not all website builders are equal. Knowing the capabilities of each can help guide you towards a better choice.
We test website builders to see how user friendly they are. Beyond that, they need to be able to offer you enough punch in terms of features to make your site competitive enough. Beyond all, is it priced correctly for you?
While we assess website builders in similar ways to web hosting, there are some specific other areas we look towards as well.
Key areas we assess:
- Onboarding
For the non-technically inclined, building a website can seem intimidating. That's why website builders who have a clear onboarding path for their customers are highly prized. While we don't expect these to be extensive, they should at the very least offer newbies a starting point.
- Ease of Use
The most power website builder isn't any use if their system is so cumbersome it drives you crazy. Everything needs to be neatly in reach while at the same time, intuitively so.
- Compatibility
Since website builders are often proprietary, we need to know that they work well with other tools. This often shows in their application integration capability, so you don't get stuck with too small an ecosystem to work with.
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS (VPN)
Once the domain of large business organizations, VPNs today have become an indispensable tool to many. Smaller businesses and consumers are also at increased risk in the cyberworld. Knowing which VPN to choose can help make a difference in your online security.
Key areas we assess:
- Privacy and Anonymity
The lifeblood of any VPN. Users have the right to expect that the VPN they use not only is able to keep their identities secret, but also the will to fight for it against government or commercial pressure.
- Speed
The most secure VPN in the world is useless if it's not fast enough to meet modern day Internet connection speeds. As technologies develop, VPNs are adapting and speeds improve constantly.
- Security
While most VPNs offer only the best in 256-bit encryption, some try to sneak by with less. This isn't always a bad thing though and based on what we find, we'll tell you why in each case.
PASSWORD MANAGERS
With malware and other cyberthreats running rife today, password manager is more important than ever - it protects your personal digital security. This applies to businesses running digital platforms as well since you're logging in to remote platforms.
Key areas we assess:
- Reputation
When it comes to security, reputation is an important factor. Yet not all reputable providers are always the best. Some new services have been known to offer sterling products.
- Security
Aside from the highlights that each provider wants to showcase, we look to see if what they say really matches. Just to ensure the showroom is reflective of the storeroom, so to speak.
- Ease of use
The most secure password managers may work so badly they're more a hindrance than help. Bitcatcha weeds them out to offer you the best. Using tools should be like second nature and if that's not so - something may have gone wrong.
CLOUD STORAGE
Modern cloud storage has evolved beyond being a simple place to dump and retrieve files remotely. There are many more elements involved in providing users with the perfect environment to host files.
Key areas we assess:
- Security
Keeping important files on remote storage may have significant security implications. Smaller providers may not have the security cloud to provide you with assurance.
- Cost
Since the service is quite straightforward, cost comes down mainly to price-per-MB. However, this isn't always the case today. Some have key features you need to take into account, such as streaming support.
- Compatibility
This is where a large part will depend on your needs. Cloud storage providers often build for closer compatibility with specific applications. Are the apps you use in-tune with what your chosen Cloud storage provider offers?
Aside from direct assessment of capabilities, we do our best to see how the features and capabilities of each service provider fits with various use cases. This makes it easier for users to identify with and hopefully, will enable you to make good purchasing decisions.
