Untitled

Dutch financial crime investigators have seized more than 800 servers in a major enforcement action tied to Stark Industries Solutions, a hosting network accused by European authorities of supporting Russian-linked cyberattacks, interference operations, and disinformation campaigns. The case has also drawn attention across the LowEndTalk community, where members are already discussing the impact on affected providers, upstream networks, THE.Hosting, Mirhosting, and the broader implications for the hosting industry. You can follow that discussion here: Netherlands seizes 800 servers of hosting firm enabling cyberattacks on LowEndTalk. According to the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service, known as FIOD, investigators arrested a 57-year-old man from Amsterdam and a 39-year-old man from The Hague on May 18, 2026. They are suspected of violating Dutch sanctions law by directly or indirectly making economic resources available to entities sanctioned by the European Union. The enforcement action included searches at three business premises in Enschede and Almere, along with raids at two data centers in Dronten and Schiphol-Rijk. Authorities seized administrative records, laptops, phones, and more than 800 servers. The Stark Industries Connection The investigation centers on a web hosting company created on February 10, 2022, roughly two weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Authorities say that in the years that followed, the company was used to facilitate destabilizing activity directed at the European Union, including cyberattacks, interference campaigns, and the spread of disinformation. That company has been identified in reporting as Stark Industries Solutions, a hosting operation long scrutinized by security researchers and threat intelligence firms. Stark infrastructure has appeared in reporting around pro-Russian cyber activity, including DDoS campaigns by NoName057(16), as well as infrastructure allegedly used by other malicious actors. The company’s founders, Ivan and Yuri Neculiti, Moldovan brothers from the Transnistria region, have also been linked in prior reporting to PQ Hosting and related hosting operations. PQ Hosting has been discussed for years in the context of high-risk or abuse-tolerant infrastructure, and the EU later sanctioned PQ Hosting and the Neculiti brothers over alleged support for Russian hybrid warfare activity. The Rebrand That Did Not Solve the Problem The most important part of this story may not be the server seizure itself, but the alleged attempt to continue operating after sanctions were imposed. The European Union added Stark Industries to its sanctions list on May 20, 2025. Around that same period, according to FIOD, a significant portion of the technical infrastructure connected to the sanctioned company was moved to a newly created Dutch company. Investigators say that new company was not truly independent, but instead functioned as a cover for the sanctioned entities. Reporting has identified that Dutch company as WorkTitans B.V., operating under the THE.Hosting brand. According to KrebsOnSecurity, assets tied to Stark were transferred to thehosting, controlled through WorkTitans, after news of the sanctions began circulating. Krebs also reported that WorkTitans was controlled by Youssef Zinad, the 57-year-old suspect, and that its connectivity depended on MIRhosting. FIOD’s statement says the 39-year-old suspect controlled another Dutch company that played a facilitating role by connecting the servers of the new company to the internet. Reporting has identified that company as MIRhosting, operated by Andrey Nesterenko. In plain English: investigators appear to be arguing that the names changed, but the operation did not. Why This Matters to the Hosting Industry For the hosting industry, this case is a reminder that infrastructure providers are no longer viewed as passive pipes when sanctioned entities, repeat abuse networks, or state-linked operations are involved. That does not mean every provider is responsible for every bad customer. Legitimate hosting companies deal with abuse every day, and even well-run networks can receive complaints involving phishing, scanning, malware, DDoS activity, or compromised servers. The difference here is scale, persistence, and alleged continuity after sanctions. FIOD is not merely claiming that bad actors used a hosting network. The agency says the infrastructure supported actions by the Russian Federation that undermine democracy and security, including information manipulation and disruption of public and economic systems. That takes the matter far beyond routine abuse desk work. It also puts upstreams, colocation providers, transit providers, and related infrastructure partners on notice. If a sanctioned provider reappears under a new entity, with similar hardware, similar customers, similar IP space, similar routing, or the same practical operators behind the curtain, regulators may not accept “new company, new brand” as a complete answer. LowEndTalk Community Reaction The LowEndTalk thread on this story quickly turned into a broader discussion about THE.Hosting, PQ Hosting, Mirhosting, upstream dependencies, and what happens when law enforcement seizes physical servers from a data center. Some members focused on the alleged rebrand and continuity of operations. Others discussed the practical impact on customers and downstream providers that may have used the affected networks as upstream infrastructure. There was also debate about whether seized servers are destroyed, returned, or eventually auctioned after a case concludes. That community discussion is worth reading because it reflects how the hosting market processes these events in real time. LowEndTalk members often spot operational details, routing relationships, provider dependencies, and customer impact faster than mainstream coverage does. Follow the thread here: Netherlands seizes 800 servers of hosting firm enabling cyberattacks on LowEndTalk. The Larger Message The Stark Industries case shows how sanctions enforcement is becoming a serious operational risk in the hosting world. A provider can change its name. It can move customers. It can shift infrastructure to a new company. It can claim new ownership or a fresh start. But if investigators can show continuity through hardware, routing, control, customers, payment flows, or operational behavior, the rebrand may not matter. For legitimate hosts, the takeaway is simple: know your customers, respond to abuse, document your actions, and take sanctions exposure seriously. For upstream providers and data centers, the lesson is even sharper. When a customer has already been publicly tied to sanctioned activity, cyberattacks, or state-linked abuse, continuing to provide the transport layer may create legal risk of its own. The outcome of the Dutch case remains uncertain. The Neculiti brothers were not reported among those arrested in this action, and the suspects who were arrested remain entitled to a legal defense. But the seizure of more than 800 servers sends a clear signal: European authorities are willing to treat hosting infrastructure as a central part of cyber and sanctions enforcement, not merely as background plumbing.   LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article

CVE-2026-48172: Root Privilege Escalation in LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin A critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-48172, affects the LiteSpeed User-End cPanel Plugin versions 2.3 through 2.4.4. This security flaw carries a CVSS v4.0 score of 10.0, marking it as highly severe. Any authenticated cPanel user—with no special privileges—can execute arbitrary scripts with root-level access on the underlying server, potentially compromising all customers on that shared hosting environment. Discovered and disclosed on May 21, 2026, this vulnerability has already been actively exploited. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating a heightened level of urgency for remediation. A patch was issued alongside the WHM Plugin 5.3.1.0 and cPanel Plugin 2.4.7. Impact of the Vulnerability The underlying flaw resides in the lsws.redisAble function, which manages Redis operations within the plugin. This function can be accessed by any authenticated cPanel user, allowing a compromised account to execute malicious scripts with root privileges. As a result, an attacker can seize control of the host machine, thereby affecting other tenants sharing the same server. The high CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H) illustrates that this vulnerability can be exploited over a network with minimal complexity and without requiring elevated permissions or user interaction. Patching and Mitigation To mitigate this issue, affected users must upgrade to WHM Plugin 5.3.1.0 along with cPanel Plugin 2.4.7, as previous versions only provided partial fixes. If immediate patching isn't feasible, the vulnerable component can be completely uninstalled with the following command: /usr/local/lsws/admin/misc/lscmctl cpanelplugin --uninstall Exploitation Activity Automated attacks targeting unpatched installations are already widespread, employing various malware and ransomware tactics. The swift transition from disclosure to exploitation highlights the urgent need for patching. CISA's entry of this vulnerability into their catalog on May 26, 2026, with a federal patch deadline of June 16, underscores the risk posed by this vulnerability. Key Actions Before the Deadline - Upgrade to the complete fix using WHM Plugin 5.3.1.0 and cPanel Plugin 2.4.7 across all servers. - If unable to patch immediately, uninstall the vulnerable plugin to prevent potential exploitation. - Examine server logs for any signs of exploitation using the appropriate command to check previous activity. - Conduct a comprehensive audit of all servers in the network to identify and patch any that may still be vulnerable. For businesses utilizing LiteSpeed with cPanel, even a newly created low-tier account poses a significant security risk due to this vulnerability. Immediate action is essential to protect the integrity of the hosting environment. Additional Resources - CVE-2026-48172 - NVD (official) - Security Update for LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin - LiteSpeed Blog - Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog - CISA   LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article

- Fast provisioning - Solid global footprint - ‍24/7 real technical support - No hidden fees - Promos that actually recur (on many deals) - ️Multiple OS choices + quick reinstalls - From annual NVMe VPS bargains to dedicated servers built for bandwidth-heavy workloads, ServerHost is starting the year with deals that hit hard.

ServerHost has has been on a serious hot streak this year. After expanding into even more global locations, rolling out next-gen high-performance nodes, and launching some of the most competitive VPS pricing on the market, ServerHost is stepping into Black Friday with an arsenal of deals. They've been in business since 2015 and have been featured on LowEndBox numerous times. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly VPS, high-RAM Windows servers, or industrial-grade 10Gbps unmetered dedicated machines, ServerHost has come prepared. In typical ServerHost fashion, these deals come with transparent pricing, recurring discounts, and real human support, no gimmicks, no gotchas. This year, they’re bringing out three  monster offers, including an unheard of 10Gbps Unmetered Dedicated Server for $195/mo, and VPS deals starting as low as $33/year. Something for every budget, every use case, and every project. Why Choose ServerHost? ⚡ Fast provisioning 🌎 Global datacenter presence 🫡 24/7 real technical support 🔒 No hidden fees 💵 Recurring discounts on many deals 🧩 Flexible payment gateways ⚙ Multiple OS & instant reinstallation options Let’s dive in! ServerHost 2025 Black Friday Deals 4GB VPS – JUST $33/year (Normally $152/yr) 2 Xeon CPU Cores @ 2.0 GHz 4 GB RAM 60 GB NVMe Storage Unmetered Bandwidth @ 1 Gbps Full Root Access (Linux) - 👉 $33/year - 8GB NVMe VPS – JUST $79/year (Normally $303/yr) 3 vCPU Cores 8GB RAM 120GB NVMe Unmetered Bandwidth 1Gbps Port 👉 $79/year – BEST VALUE 88 Threads - 10Gbps Unmetered Dedicated Server $195/mo (Was $699/mo!) 2x Intel E5-2699 v4 (88 total cores) 256 GB RAM 1x 4TB NVMe SSD Location: Buffalo, NY – USA 10 Gbps Port Speed Truly Unmetered Bandwidth - 👉 $195/month (was $699/month) 🌍 ServerHost Datacenter Locations ServerHost’s global footprint keeps growing, with major sites across the US and Europe: Buffalo, NY Los Angeles, CA Dallas, TX Chicago, IL Amsterdam, NL Dublin, Ireland Toronto, Canada 🛠 VPS Node Hardware Overview Depending on plan/location: Dual Intel Xeon E5-2680v2 to E5-2699v4 Up to 256GB DDR4 ECC RAM NVMe storage arrays (up to 4TB+) 1Gbps & 10Gbps uplinks RAID-protected storage for dedicated servers and VPS nodes Read the full article

Various NAS-focused news outlets are buzzing with news that Synology is quietly walking back from the disastrous hard drive policy introduced earlier this year. As we covered, Synology introduced a change to its Disk Station Manager (DSM) software which no longer recognized any hard drives other than those made by Synology as valid, starting with 2025 NAS models.  This meant that if you were accustomed to buying your favorite Western Digital or Seagate drive and sticking it in your Synology kit, you could expect it either to not be recognized or at best, to see an avalanche of warnings and a polite hang-up from support if you ever had a problem. However, according to various NAS blogs (for example, nascompares.com), this policy is being rolled back with the arrival of DSM 7.3, which is expected soon. I was not able to independently confirm this, as the latest changelog I could find on Synology's site was for 7.2.2-72806 Update 4. If this news is indeed true, it's a smart move for Synology.  How much money can it really be making on low-margin hard drives?  Not enough to offset the fury of upset users.  Not all marketing can be boiled down to a spreadsheet.  Someone probably thought "hey, if we put this restriction in place, our hard drive sales will increase, which means more profit," without thinking of the reputational and relationship damage. If you're a Synology user, keep your eyes peeled for DSM 7.3!

- £13.99 GBP £6.99 / Monthly - CPU: Ryzen 9 9950x or similar - Cores: 2 vCPU @ 5.7 GHz - RAM: 6 GB DDR5 - Storage: 100 GB NVMe SSD - Uplink: 1–10 Gb/s - Bandwidth: Fair usage (2TB max) - IPv6 addresses: Yes - Backups: Yes – 2 slots - OS Options: Linux / Windows / Custom ISO - DDoS Protection: Corero always active - Virtfusion KVM - Coupon Code: LET - Read the full article

Naming servers is one of the underrated dark arts of sysadmin life.  In a work environment, there are often dull corporate standards like "3-digit accounting code + P for prod + V for virtual + four-digit number" and you end up with unexciting names like "aqfpv0001" or "drsea12" or "pvstl1412".  Ironically, sometimes servers live so long and become so famous/infamous that even decades later I can remember a couple names.  Good old "ml014" and "hscs126"...I'll never forget you. I remember when I worked at the University of Michigan, we had some servers named after Alfred Hitchcock movies, and another named after arcade video games.  A new sysadmin joined and she asked why we didn't just call things "server1", "server2", etc.  She didn't last long. In your hobbyist life, you don't need to limit yourself to boring beige names.  You have the freedom to use any standard you choose.  Why go with "server1" when you can use a little wit to come up with something that will entertain you every day? Let’s embrace a bit of chaos and explore some possible (and possibly terrible) naming conventions for your infrastructure. Cheese Names Because nothing says “mission-critical” like brie. Examples: - cheddar01 - camembert-staging - gorgonzola-db - velveeta-prod ✅ Pros: Smells better than your logs.  Wait, isn't cheese log a thing? ❌ Cons: Makes you hungry and confused 80s Action Heroes Ideal for devops environments where everything is always “in production.” Examples: - ripley - rambo - mcclane - deltaforce-vpn ✅ Pros: They never die ❌ Cons: None. Random IKEA Product Names Perfect for minimalists who like to suffer. Examples: - flugbo - kallax-auth - smörgås-prod - lövbacken-cache ✅ Pros: Looks like you’re managing a furniture empire.  Or a Spinal Tap reunion. ❌ Cons: You’ll never spell them right twice UFO Sightings Database Your servers are already mysterious and hard to explain.  Lean in. Examples: - roswell-logstash - area51-build - kecksburg-web - lights-over-phoenix-staging ✅ Pros: Encourages plausible deniability ❌ Cons: FOIA requests Star Trek Redshirts For containers you know won’t live long anyway. Examples: - ensign-ricky - lt-disposable - deck12-vm3 - awayteam-proxy ✅ Pros: Highly realistic uptime expectations ❌ Cons: You should purge your wardrobe of red shirts. Childhood Juice Boxes Every server is a sip of nostalgia and risk of sticky disaster. Examples: - caprisun-prod - hi-c-db - ecto-cooler-auth - squeezit-logs ✅ Pros: Sweet naming convention ❌ Cons: OK, Gen Xer Discontinued Microsoft Products For that truly cursed, enterprise-grade chaos. Examples: - clippy-ai - zune-player - encarta-db - kin-phone-cache ✅ Pros: Satirical gold ❌ Cons: Like you won't get sued Terrible Reality Shows Because every server cluster is a drama series waiting to happen. Examples: - flavor-of-nginx - vps-bachelor - server-swap - keeping-up-with-kubernetes ✅ Pros: Makes outages entertaining ❌ Cons: Someone will create server-bigbrother Commands You’ve Mistyped Great if you want every terminal tab to be a psychological attack. Examples: - sl (not ls) - grpe - sudo-susdo - pinglocalhsot ✅ Pros: Comedy gold ❌ Cons: You’ll never type anything right again Things That Sound Techy But Aren’t Perfect for impressing nobody. Examples: - quantum-jelly - hyper-toast - crypto-burrito - elastic-taco ✅ Pros: Vaguely buzzword-compatible ❌ Cons: Might accidentally get funded Honorable Mentions - Weapons from Doom (bfg9000-prod, plasma-gun-staging) - Biblical Plagues (locusts, darkness, frogs) - Real Cities But Misspelled (seaddle, losangles, tusla-b) Not Happy With These? Head over to Naming Schemes to see even more! Read the full article

Investors in major U.S. technology companies are breathing a sigh of relief following a round of strong Q1 2025 earnings reports, which have helped ease concerns about a potential slowdown in the tech sector. These results arrive at a moment when the global economy is still grappling with shifting trade dynamics, elevated interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, particularly as the United States heads into another contentious election cycle. Speculation around a possible second Trump administration has fueled uncertainty about tariffs, cross-border data rules, and international supply chains. Despite these headwinds, the core fundamentals of the tech industry remain solid. Earnings from industry giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta painted a far more optimistic picture than many on Wall Street expected. Not only did most firms meet or beat analyst expectations, but they also demonstrated sustained demand in key segments like cloud computing, enterprise software, digital advertising, and personal computing. These areas are not only revenue generators but also serve as the backbone of modern internet infrastructure, enabling everything from small business websites and SaaS platforms to AI services and global e-commerce networks. The performance of these companies matters far beyond Silicon Valley. When Amazon reports growth in AWS or when Microsoft signals strong adoption of Azure and Office 365, it reverberates through the entire digital economy. Their strength signals that consumers and enterprises alike are continuing to invest in digital capabilities, despite inflationary pressures and uncertainty in other parts of the economy. That’s good news not only for shareholders but also for the thousands of smaller tech and infrastructure businesses that operate downstream. Even though Apple reported a rare miss and Tesla walked back some of its earlier bullish projections, the broader tech sector proved remarkably resilient. The Nasdaq 100 Index, which had struggled earlier in the year, has since posted a notable rebound as investor sentiment improves. Analysts had warned of a potential earnings recession in tech, but instead, the results have shown steady, if uneven, expansion. As Mark Luschini, Chief Investment Strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott, put it, many investors had entered this earnings season bracing for disappointment. Instead, what they got was a clear signal that key areas of the tech economy, particularly cloud infrastructure, AI, and productivity software, are still on a growth trajectory. This has helped shift the market mood from one of anxiety to one of cautious optimism. This uptick in confidence is especially relevant for industries like web hosting, VPS infrastructure, and independent service providers. The same trends driving growth at the top, cloud adoption, AI investment, and the expansion of the digital economy, are fueling demand for flexible, scalable infrastructure at all levels. For hosting providers, especially those operating within the LowEndBox ecosystem, the takeaway is clear: there is still strong market momentum to harness, and growth is very much on the table. 🔗 Why This Matters to the Hosting World What does Big Tech’s resilience have to do with web hosting, or more specifically, the LowEndBox and budget hosting ecosystem? Quite a lot. The hosting industry, especially the independent and low-cost provider segment, often feels the ripple effects of Big Tech trends. When large companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google report strong cloud and infrastructure growth, it usually signals that underlying demand for digital services is on the rise. This includes websites, apps, APIs, backend services, and more. GoDaddy, a leader among the "true hosters" announced Q1 2025 results that showed an impressive 8% annual revenue growth rate. Where the giants expand, smaller providers often benefit. Budget-friendly and agile hosts are well positioned to support users who are priced out of the big clouds or prefer simpler, more direct infrastructure solutions. 🧠 AI Investment and Infrastructure Demand One of the major themes this earnings season has been the sharp increase in capital spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet have all indicated bigger investments in data center expansion, and Nvidia’s ongoing dominance in AI hardware continues to fuel billions in spending. This AI investment wave is having a direct effect on demand for compute, storage, and bandwidth. As a result, it is also stimulating growth in traditional hosting segments. Cloud GPU demand is pushing developers to look for cost-effective alternatives such as VPS and bare metal servers. A surge in AI-powered startups and SaaS tools is increasing the need for affordable backend hosting solutions. Even traditional shared hosting is getting a lift from AI websites, agents, and microservices. 🏗️ When the Giants Build, Everyone Else Gets Work When Amazon adds 20 new data centers, it triggers a chain reaction. Developers and startups spin up new services, migrate applications, and expand deployments. Many of these new users will not host exclusively with AWS. They will turn to smaller providers that offer competitive pricing, specific regional advantages, or a more personal touch. The momentum in Big Tech earnings provides clear confirmation that the digital economy is still expanding. In that expansion, independent hosting providers have a unique opportunity to grow. Those who offer lean pricing, quality support, or value-adds that large platforms do not, can capture this demand. 🧩 What This Means for LowEnd Hosts Right Now If you’re running a hosting business or planning to launch one in the LowEndBox ecosystem, here are a few key takeaways: Now is a good time to invest. Big Tech’s optimism signals underlying demand. If you have been waiting to deploy new hardware or upgrade services, consider moving forward. Specialization is key. Users are increasingly seeking out hosting providers with niche expertise such as privacy-focused setups, offshore locations, GPU capabilities, or ultra-light containers. Modern hosting is more than websites. Customers are deploying everything from backend APIs to scraping bots and dev environments. Market yourself as an infrastructure provider, not just a web host. Opportunity is up for grabs. With VC-funded hosts moving upstream and enterprise-focused, independent operators can attract users seeking value and control. ✅ Final Thoughts: Big Tech Sets the Tone, but Indie Hosts Still Have the Moves Big Tech’s strong Q1 2025 results are more than reassuring for investors. They are a signal to everyone working in infrastructure and hosting that digital growth remains alive and well. The positive momentum seen in cloud, software, and AI investment confirms that the need for servers, bandwidth, and platform support is far from declining. These developments are encouraging for providers of all sizes. The revenue and margin growth among hyperscalers validates the importance of infrastructure across industries. At the same time, these companies are not serving every use case. For every developer who signs up for AWS, there are dozens who are looking for a more manageable, transparent, and affordable hosting solution. That’s where the LowEndBox community, and LowEndTalk specifically, comes in. At LowEndBox, we continue to see growth from independent providers who offer practical, reliable infrastructure with no fluff. If you can stay lean, understand your customer base, and deliver on uptime and support, there has never been a better time to win market share. Big Tech may set the tempo, but independent hosts still have the flexibility to dance to their own beat.   LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article

GoDaddy has opened 2025 on a strong note, reporting impressive results in its first quarterly earnings of the year. The company’s 8% year-over-year revenue growth, rising customer bookings, and surge in operating income all reflect a well-executed strategy, one that emphasizes automation, product diversification, and customer-centric innovation. What makes this earnings report particularly interesting is that GoDaddy isn’t just another tech company, it serves as a macro-indicator for the broader internet infrastructure and hosting ecosystem. As one of the most recognizable names in domains, hosting, and small business web services, GoDaddy’s performance often offers a preview of what’s working, and what’s not, across the industry. In recent years, there’s been a persistent narrative that the traditional hosting sector has peaked. Domains are commoditized. Shared hosting is under margin pressure. DIY website builders are everywhere. But GoDaddy’s results disrupt that story. The company has shown that, despite operating in a “mature” industry, there’s still room for growth through smart execution, product enhancements, and relentless focus on customer experience. Here at LowEndBox, where we champion independent and budget-friendly infrastructure providers, we see GoDaddy’s growth as a signal that opportunity remains vibrant, even for smaller, scrappier players. Whether you're building out a VPS platform, reselling cPanel, or targeting niche hosting use cases, GoDaddy’s trajectory suggests there’s still plenty of demand out there for those willing to adapt and innovate. 💰 Revenue & Bookings Climb 8% GoDaddy reported $1.2 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, marking an 8% year-over-year increase. Customer bookings (payments collected during the quarter for future services) matched that growth, also up 8% to $1.4 billion. Here’s a breakdown of key segments: Applications & Commerce: $446.4M — +16.5% Core Platform (includes domains): $747.9M — +3.1% The domain aftermarket also had a solid showing, generating $128 million in revenue (up 5%), with the average transaction value increasing from $261 to $321. 📈 Profitability & Cash Flow Surge GoDaddy’s operating income jumped to $247.3 million, a 41% increase from Q1 2024, with an impressive 21% margin. Other financial wins: Free cash flow hit $411.3 million — up 26% Cash from operations totaled $404.7 million — up 36% Normalized EBITDA (NEBITDA): $364.4M — +16.4% with a 30.5% margin ⚠️ Why Did Net Income Drop? Net income for Q1 2025 came in at $219.5 million, down from $401.5 million in Q1 2024. But don’t panic—this drop is due to a non-recurring tax benefit of $267.4 million that boosted last year’s numbers. When adjusted for that, GoDaddy's profitability remains on solid ground. 📊 Share Buybacks & Financial Position GoDaddy continues to reward shareholders. Since 2022, the company has repurchased more than 25% of its shares and recently launched a new $3 billion buyback program, set to run through 2027. As of March 31, GoDaddy held: $719 million in cash $3.1 billion in net debt 🛠️ What’s New at GoDaddy? Two major product initiatives rolled out this quarter: Airo AI Tool Expansion: Now includes logo design and email creation. GoDaddy Agency Program: A new offering tailored for digital agencies to help them grow faster with better tools and lead generation support. 🔮 Outlook for 2025 GoDaddy reaffirmed its guidance for the full year: Revenue: $4.86B to $4.94B (~7% growth) Free Cash Flow: At least $1.5B Segment Forecasts: Applications & Commerce: Mid-teens growth Core Platform: Low single digits ✅ Final Take GoDaddy’s Q1 2025 results are more than a quarterly success story, they’re a proof point that growth in web infrastructure is still alive and well. While it’s true that the company benefited from operating scale and brand recognition, its numbers reflect more than just momentum. They reflect execution. They reflect a company that is investing in product-led growth, supporting agencies, building AI-powered tooling, and putting its capital to work in ways that directly improve customer outcomes. The 8% increase in revenue, 41% jump in operating income, and 26% boost in free cash flow show that even large players can move the needle with the right strategy. Meanwhile, its continued share buybacks and $3 billion authorization highlight confidence in the long-term direction of the business. For the LowEndBox community, filled with small hosting businesses, solopreneurs, and indie infrastructure operators, the message is clear: the hosting market is not dead. The playbook may be changing, but the demand for infrastructure, support, speed, and service is very much alive. What matters now is how well you meet those demands. Are you building the right tools? Are you listening to your customers? Are you keeping things lean, fast, and focused? GoDaddy’s results suggest that there’s still plenty of room to grow, without needing to outspend or outscale the giants. And that’s an encouraging sign for everyone hustling on the edge of the cloud. As always, LowEndBox will be tracking these industry signals, and surfacing the insights that matter most to the next generation of infrastructure entrepreneurs.   LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article

Launching a website is one of the fastest and most effective ways to establish your online presence, whether you're starting a business, building a portfolio, or testing a new idea. Fortunately, you don’t need a big budget to get started. Today’s free website builders offer polished design tools, responsive templates, and essential features that make it easier than ever to go live without spending a dime. That said, not all free website builders are created equal. Some excel in e-commerce, others are perfect for blogging or simple team sites, and a few offer seamless upgrade paths when you're ready to grow. Most free plans come with trade-offs like platform branding, limited customization, or capped storage, so it’s important to choose the right tool for your specific needs. We’ve reviewed the top free website builders, comparing their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. Whether you're looking for simplicity, creative control, or long-term scalability, this guide will help you find the platform that fits. And if you’re aiming to start free but grow fast, take a close look at our #2 pick, HostPapa's Website Builder, an excellent choice for business-minded users who want room to scale. Let’s dive into the best options available today. 1. Wix Best Free Website Builder Overall Wix continues to dominate the website builder space with its powerful drag-and-drop editor, massive library of over 800 templates, and an intuitive interface that appeals to users of all experience levels. The platform allows you to fully customize your site’s layout, add animations, integrate third-party tools, and more—all without writing a single line of code. On the free plan, users get access to essential features, including a branded subdomain, SSL certificate, and reliable 24/7 support. Pros: Huge variety of customizable templates Reliable 24/7 customer support Cons: No e-commerce support on the free plan Wix branding displayed on free sites 2. HostPapa Website Builder Best Free Website Builder for Growing Businesses HostPapa’s website builder is designed for users who want to start simple but scale fast. It offers hundreds of professionally designed, mobile-optimized templates, a true drag-and-drop editing experience, and integrated tools for SEO, blogging, and even e-commerce. It stands out from other free builders by providing real business functionality from the start, and its seamless upgrade path makes it ideal for growing companies. Unlike many competitors, HostPapa includes access to 24/7 expert support—even on the free tier—and helps ensure your site is secure with included SSL. It’s a perfect choice for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and agencies looking for long-term flexibility. Pros: Easy-to-use editor with pro-grade design SEO and e-commerce features included 24/7 expert support from HostPapa Cons: Advanced features require a paid plan 3. GoDaddy Website Builder Best for Beginners GoDaddy’s website builder is all about simplicity and speed. It’s geared toward users who want to create a basic, professional-looking site in under an hour. The platform uses an AI-driven onboarding process that helps you get started quickly with pre-built designs tailored to your goals. It also includes marketing tools such as email campaigns, social media integration, and basic analytics. The builder is somewhat limited when it comes to customization, but it’s ideal for users who prioritize ease of use over design flexibility. Pros: Extremely easy to use Helpful AI design assistance Cons: Limited customization and branding No e-commerce features in free version 4. Square Online Best Free Website Builder for Online Stores Square Online, by the makers of Square POS, is an excellent choice for small businesses that want to start selling online with zero upfront investment. Its free tier includes unlimited product listings, automatic tax calculations, and real-time inventory syncing with Square’s physical point-of-sale system. It’s particularly valuable for brick-and-mortar businesses expanding into e-commerce. While its design options are basic, Square Online provides everything needed to start accepting online and in-person payments right away. It’s highly practical and functional, though not ideal for branding-heavy or content-focused sites. Pros: E-commerce functionality on the free tier Accepts in-person and online payments Cons: Limited visual design flexibility Square branding on all pages 5. WordPress.com Best Free Website Builder for Bloggers and Writers WordPress.com is the most popular choice for bloggers and content creators, offering unmatched flexibility in publishing. Its block-based editor is intuitive, and users can create unlimited blog posts and pages—even on the free plan. WordPress powers over 40% of the internet, and while the free version has ads and limited storage (1GB), it’s a great entry point into the WordPress ecosystem. It also supports contributors and content collaboration, making it an excellent platform for teams, authors, and multi-writer blogs. Pros: Ideal for content-heavy websites Large theme library and contributor support Cons: Customer service only available on paid plans Ads and branding on free websites Choosing the Right Free Website Builder Here’s a quick comparison of the top platforms based on your goals: Need Best Builder Full creative control Wix Growth-ready platform HostPapa Quick, easy setup GoDaddy Online store functionality Square Online Blogging and writing WordPress.com Internal or simple sites HostPapa Is a Free Website Builder Right for You? Free website builders are excellent for: Testing ideas Personal projects Simple online presence However, they often include platform branding, limited customization, and no e-commerce on the free tier. For more professional use or business growth, consider upgrading to a paid plan. When to Consider a VPS Instead of a Website Builder While free website builders are a great starting point for beginners or small projects, they’re not always the best long-term solution—especially if you need more control, flexibility, or performance. That’s where a Virtual Private Server (VPS) comes in. A VPS gives you dedicated resources and root-level access, allowing you to run custom applications, host multiple websites, configure your own stack (e.g., NGINX, Apache, Node.js), and optimize for performance or security as needed. It’s a more advanced option, but one that pays off if you’re running a growing business, need custom software, or simply want full control over your environment. Here’s why you might consider using a VPS over a standard website builder: More control: You can install anything you need, from custom CMS platforms to performance-enhancing tools. Scalability: Easily upgrade your VPS plan as your traffic or resource needs grow. Better performance: No noisy neighbors sharing resources like in shared hosting. Advanced features: Ideal for developers, agencies, and power users who want full freedom over server configuration. Improved branding: No platform-imposed limitations or forced branding—you own everything. Save Money with LowEndBox If you’re considering moving to a VPS, LowEndBox is the perfect place to start. We are a trusted marketplace for affordable VPS deals from dozens of reputable hosting providers worldwide. Whether you need a small instance for $2/month or a beefy box for hosting multiple clients, LowEndBox helps you compare options and save significantly over time. ✅ Hundreds of deals reviewed by real users✅ Offers start as low as $1/month✅ Great for developers, resellers, and advanced users✅ Active LowEndTalk community forum Want more flexibility and performance than a website builder can offer? 👉 Browse the latest VPS deals on LowEndBox and start building on your own terms, without breaking the bank. Final Recommendation If you’re starting out but want flexibility to scale, HostPapa offers one of the best long-term options. You get an easy-to-use builder now, and professional-grade tools when you're ready to grow. 👉 Explore HostPapa Website Builder: hostpapa.com/website-builder   LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article

Running your own infrastructure can be empowering. Whether you're managing a SaaS side project, self-hosting your favorite tools like Nextcloud or Uptime Kuma, running a game server, or just learning by doing, owning your stack gives you full control and flexibility. But it also comes with a cost. The good news? That cost doesn’t have to be high. One of the core values of the LowEndBox community is getting the most out of every dollar. Many of our readers are developers, sysadmins, hobbyists, or small businesses trying to stretch limited infrastructure budgets. That’s why self-hosting is so popular here—it’s customizable, private, and with the right strategy, surprisingly affordable. In this article, we’ll walk through seven practical ways to reduce your self-hosting costs. Whether you’re just starting out or already managing multiple VPSes, these tactics will help you trim your expenses without sacrificing performance or reliability. These aren't just random tips, they’re based on real-world strategies we see in action across the LowEndBox and LowEndTalk communities every day. 1. Use Spot or Preemptible Instances for Non-Critical Workloads Some providers offer deep discounts on “spot” instances, VPSes or cloud servers that can be reclaimed at any time. These are perfect for bursty workloads, short-term batch jobs, or backup processing where uptime isn’t mission-critical. Providers like Oracle Cloud and even some on the LowEndBox VPS deals page offer cost-effective servers that can be used this way. 2. Consolidate with Docker or Lightweight VMs Instead of spinning up multiple VPS instances, try consolidating services using containers or lightweight VMs (like those on Proxmox, LXC, or KVM). You’ll pay for fewer VPSes and get better performance by optimizing your resources. Tools like Docker Compose or Portainer make it easy to manage your stack efficiently. 3. Deploy to Cheaper Regions Server pricing often varies based on data center location. Consider moving your workloads to lower-cost regions like Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, or Midwest US cities. Just make sure latency still meets your needs. LowEndBox regularly features hosts offering ultra-affordable plans in these locations. 4. Pay Annually When It Makes Sense Some providers offer steep discounts for annual or multi-year plans, sometimes as much as 30–50% compared to monthly billing. If your project is long-term, this can be a great way to save. Before you commit, check if the provider is reputable. User reviews on LowEndTalk can help you make a smart call. 5. Take Advantage of Free Tiers You’d be surprised how far you can go on free infrastructure these days. Services like: Cloudflare Tunnels (free remote access to local servers) Oracle Cloud Free Tier (includes 4 vCPUs and 24GB RAM!) GitHub Actions for automation Hetzner’s free DNS or Backblaze’s generous free storage Combined with a $3–$5 VPS, these tools can power an entire workflow on a shoestring budget. 6. Monitor Idle Resources It’s easy to let unused servers pile up. Get into the habit of monitoring resource usage and cleaning house monthly. If a VPS is sitting idle, shut it down or consolidate it. Tools like Netdata, Grafana + Prometheus, or even htop and ncdu can help you track usage and trim the fat. 7. Watch LowEndBox for Deals (Seriously) This isn’t just self-promo, it’s reality, LowEndBox has been the global market leader in broadcasting great deals for our readers for years. Our team at LowEndBox digs up exclusive discounts, coupon codes, and budget-friendly hosting options from around the world every week. Whether it’s a $15/year NAT VPS, or a powerful GPU server for AI workloads under $70/month, we help you find the right provider at the right price. Bonus: we also post guides and how-tos to help you squeeze the most out of your stack. Final Thoughts Cutting costs doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. With the right mix of smart planning, efficient tooling, and a bit of deal hunting, you can run powerful, scalable infrastructure on a micro-budget. Got your own cost-saving tip? Share it with the community over at LowEndTalk! https://lowendbox.com/blog/1-vps-1-usd-vps-per-month/ https://lowendbox.com/blog/2-usd-vps-cheap-vps-under-2-month/ https://lowendbox.com/best-cheap-vps-hosting-updated-2020/ Read the full article

In today’s tech landscape, the average VPS just doesn’t cut it for everyone. Whether you're a machine learning enthusiast, video editor, indie game developer, or just someone with a demanding workload, you've probably hit a wall with standard CPU-based servers. That’s where GPU-enabled VPS instances come in. A GPU VPS is a virtual server that includes access to a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit, like an NVIDIA RTX 3070, 4090, or even enterprise-grade cards like the A100 or H100. These are the same GPUs powering AI research labs, high-end gaming rigs, and advanced rendering farms. But thanks to the rise of affordable infrastructure providers, you don’t need to spend thousands to tap into that power. At LowEndBox, we’ve always been about helping users find the best hosting deals on a budget. Recently, we’ve extended that mission into the world of GPU servers. With our new Cheap GPU VPS Directory, you can now easily discover reliable, low-cost GPU hosting solutions for all kinds of high-performance tasks. So what exactly can you do with a GPU VPS? And why should you rent one instead of buying hardware? Let’s break it down. 1. AI & Machine Learning If you’re doing anything with artificial intelligence, machine learning, or deep learning, a GPU VPS is no longer optional, it’s essential. Modern AI models require enormous amounts of computation, particularly during training or fine-tuning. CPUs simply can’t keep up with the matrix-heavy math required for neural networks. That’s where GPUs shine. For example, if you’re experimenting with open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) like Mistral, LLaMA, Mixtral, or Falcon, you’ll need a GPU with sufficient VRAM just to load the model—let alone fine-tune it or run inference at scale. Even moderately sized models such as LLaMA 2–7B or Mistral 7B require GPUs with 16GB of VRAM or more, which many affordable LowEndBox-listed hosts now offer. Beyond language models, researchers and developers use GPU VPS instances for: Fine-tuning vision models (like YOLOv8 or CLIP) Running frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or Hugging Face Transformers Inference serving using APIs like vLLM or Text Generation WebUI Experimenting with LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation) to fine-tune LLMs on smaller datasets The beauty of renting a GPU VPS through LowEndBox is that you get access to the raw horsepower of an NVIDIA GPU, like an RTX 3090, 4090, or A6000, without spending thousands upfront. Many of the providers in our Cheap GPU VPS Directory support modern drivers and Docker, making it easy to deploy open-source AI stacks quickly. Whether you’re running Stable Diffusion, building a custom chatbot with LLaMA 2, or just learning the ropes of AI development, a GPU-enabled VPS can help you train and deploy models faster, more efficiently, and more affordably. 2. Video Rendering & Content Creation GPU-enabled VPS instances aren’t just for coders and researchers, they’re a huge asset for video editors, 3D animators, and digital artists as well. Whether you're rendering animations in Blender, editing 4K video in DaVinci Resolve, or generating visual effects with Adobe After Effects, a capable GPU can drastically reduce render times and improve responsiveness. Using a remote GPU server also allows you to offload intensive rendering tasks, keeping your local machine free for creative work. Many users even set up a pipeline using tools like FFmpeg, HandBrake, or Nuke, orchestrating remote batch renders or encoding jobs from anywhere in the world. With LowEndBox’s curated Cheap GPU List, you can find hourly or monthly rentals that match your creative needs—without having to build out your own costly workstation. 3. Cloud Gaming & Game Server Hosting Cloud gaming is another space where GPU VPS hosting makes a serious impact. Want to stream a full Windows desktop with hardware-accelerated graphics? Need to host a private Minecraft, Valheim, or CS:GO server with mods and enhanced visuals? A GPU server gives you the headroom to do it smoothly. Some users even use GPU VPSs for game development, testing their builds in environments that simulate the hardware their end users will have. It’s also a smart way to experiment with virtualized game streaming platforms like Parsec or Moonlight, especially if you're developing a cloud gaming experience of your own. With options from providers like InterServer and Crunchbits on LowEndBox, setting up a GPU-powered game or dev server has never been easier or more affordable. 4. Cryptocurrency Mining While the crypto boom has cooled off, GPU mining is still very much alive for certain coins, especially those that resist ASIC centralization. Coins like Ethereum Classic, Ravencoin, or newer GPU-friendly tokens still attract miners looking to earn with minimal overhead. Renting a GPU VPS gives you a low-risk way to test your mining setup, compare hash rates, or try out different software like T-Rex, NBMiner, or TeamRedMiner, all without buying hardware upfront. It's a particularly useful approach for part-time miners, researchers, or developers working on blockchain infrastructure. And with LowEndBox’s flexible, budget-focused listings, you can find hourly or monthly GPU rentals that suit your experimentation budget perfectly. Why Rent a GPU VPS Through LowEndBox? ✅ Lower CostEnterprise GPU hosting can get pricey fast. We surface deals starting under $50/month—some even less. For example: Crunchbits offers RTX 3070s for around $65/month. InterServer lists setups with RTX 4090s, Ryzen CPUs, and 192GB RAM for just $399/month. TensorDock provides hourly options, with prices like $0.34/hr for RTX 4090s and $2.21/hr for H100s. Explore all your options on our Cheap GPU VPS Directory. ✅ No Hardware CommitmentRenting gives you flexibility. Whether you need GPU power for just a few hours or a couple of months, you don’t have to commit to hardware purchases—or worry about depreciation. ✅ Easy ScalabilityWhen your project grows, so can your resources. Many GPU VPS providers listed on LowEndBox offer flexible upgrade paths, allowing you to scale up without downtime. Start Exploring GPU VPS Deals Today Whether you’re training models, rendering video, mining crypto, or building GPU-powered apps, renting a GPU-enabled VPS can save you time and money. Start browsing the latest GPU deals on LowEndBox and get the computing power you need, without the sticker shock. We've included a couple links to useful lists below to help you make an informed VPS/GPU-enabled purchasing decision. https://lowendbox.com/cheap-gpu-list-nvidia-gpus-for-ai-training-llm-models-and-more/ https://lowendbox.com/best-cheap-vps-hosting-updated-2020/ https://lowendbox.com/blog/2-usd-vps-cheap-vps-under-2-month/ Read the full article

HostPapa, a rapidly growing Canadian-based web services company, appears to have acquired a significant portion of QuadraNet’s IPv4 address space, adding over 200,000 IPs to its expanding portfolio. This move further strengthens HostPapa’s position in the hosting and cloud infrastructure market, particularly as IPv4 scarcity continues to drive up demand and value. QuadraNet, a long-established data center and IT infrastructure provider, was acquired by Edge Centres in 2024 as part of its strategic expansion into the North American market. With a flagship facility in downtown Los Angeles near One Wilshire and additional remote locations in New Jersey, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and Atlanta, QuadraNet has historically offered colocation, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting services. However, recent events suggest the company may be facing operational challenges. Over the past several days, QuadraNet’s Los Angeles data center has been at least partially offline, frustrating customers and fueling discussions across hosting forums, including LowEndTalk where inquiring users are eager to understand what all of this means. As of January 31st, 2025, their official status page remains unchanged since January 28th, stating: "Thank you for your continued patience as we work through our maintenance in our Los Angeles facilities." Additionally, users have reported recent outages in QuadraNet’s Chicago and Dallas locations, raising concerns about broader infrastructure stability. Even on that other sleepy forum, there's 19 pages of rage. Looks like QuadraNet has only about 6,656-ish IPv4 remaining according to their ARIN profile.  Let's do some back-of-the-envelope math: even if every customer got only 5 IPs (often typical for a dedicated server), that's only space for 1,300 customers, and of course it doesn't divide out quite that neatly. Here's what an ARIN search for 'QuadraNet' looks like as of January 31st, 2025: Here is an example of the transfer that has taken place over the last few weeks: This is quite a fall for QuadraNet, which has been a large player in the dedicated server space for over a decade.  I still remember their "buy 3 get 1 free" offer from a few years back.  However, their web site has been aging out toward oblivion: job postings from 2019, and an endorsement from the defunct HostMantis and long-dead Tragic Servers. Datacenter down for days, IPs sold off... is QuadraNet fading to black? If you are a customer of QuadraNet are your services online? Have you experienced any interruptions or change of service quality recently? Let us know the comments or join the conversation at LowEndTalk where an active discussion about what all of this means is playing out.   Read the full article

CloudLinux, a leader in enhancing the security, stability, and availability of Linux servers and devices, has declared increased support for the WordPress community by committing significant resources to the Five for the Future program. This initiative encourages businesses to contribute to the development of WordPress. Already hosting over 30 million WordPress sites on CloudLinux OS, the company's engagement in the Five for the Future program marks its continued commitment to the community. CloudLinux plans to contribute not just code but also its specialized knowledge in server optimization and security. "Our commitment to dedicating resources to the Five for the Future program and the broader WordPress community is driven by CloudLinux's longstanding promise to contribute and support the ecosystem's growth, which has helped many organizations, developers, and individuals achieve success," stated Michael Canavan, Chief Revenue Officer at CloudLinux. "We are excited to keep offering our support and to work with the WordPress community to promote the development of a safer, more stable, and enhanced internet environment, thus reinforcing our commitment to aiding WordPress as a dependable, high-performance platform for the foreseeable future." CloudLinux team members have initiated their contributions to the WordPress ecosystem with multiple pull requests aimed at improving security and efficiency. This partnership provides a platform for mutual knowledge exchange and paves the way for enduring improvements in WordPress. The integration of CloudLinux OS and Imunify Security products underscores CloudLinux's deep-rooted commitment to the open-source community. CloudLinux commits to enhancing the security, stability, and performance of Linux web servers. Based in Palo Alto, California, CloudLinux Inc. offers trusted solutions to hosting providers, enterprises, and educational institutions around the globe. With a customer base that includes over 4,000 clients and partners, more than 500,000 installations worldwide, and a team with a cumulative Linux expertise spanning over 450 years, CloudLinux leads in securing and optimizing Linux servers.   LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article

67% of IT decision makers now favor a hybrid hosting infrastructure. The shift back to traditional datacenter infrastructure continues to gain momentum as the allure of an all-public-cloud approach fades. A combination of traditional colocation, private cloud, and bare metal offers price predictability, proven uptime and an easy to understand architecture.  The future is looking more cloudy for the major public cloud hosting providers, according to a new survey from colocation datacenter provider Asanti of 100 senior IT decision-makers in the UK. The report found that 67% of those surveyed are turning to a hybrid hosting model that includes both on-site resources and cloud services. A hybrid approach is a marked shift from the purely cloud-based strategy that has marked many business plans in recent years. Almost all of the decision-makers regret the exclusive use of public cloud services. Only 6% said they wouldn't change their cloud-first strategy were they able to go back in time. The other 94% cite aggravating obstacles during and after switching to the cloud that made it not worth the headache. "As we see a significant number of companies retracting their applications from cloud services to an on-premises or colocation datacenter setup, it prompts us to question the initial promises made by cloud providers," said Stewart Laing, CEO of Asanti. "It's apparent that a cloud-first strategy might not always be the optimal path. We advise IT leaders and business executives to prioritize a business-centric approach, focusing on both present and forthcoming needs to select the most suitable hosting model, instead of being confined to a one-size-fits-all solution." While it seems logical to prioritize public cloud services for IT solutions initially — given their flexibility and scalability to meet diverse business requirements — structuring operations primarily around a cloud-first approach introduces substantial complexity. This complexity often translates into increased costs, which is undesirable for any business. Surprisingly, 77% of respondents indicated that they faced unforeseen costs when adopting cloud services. In fact, 63% of survey participants reported that transitioning to the cloud was more costly than maintaining their traditional IT infrastructures, leading to doubts about the financial wisdom of their decision. An overwhelming 98% of businesses encountered challenges during the migration process, and 57% experienced delays beyond their planned timelines, further inflating costs. Post-migration, the complexity of managing cloud infrastructure necessitated additional training for 44% of companies, while 31% had difficulties integrating cloud solutions with existing IT systems. Moreover, compliance and security issues pose significant challenges post-cloud adoption. A considerable 62% of respondents struggled to meet regulatory compliance, leading to reevaluations of using public clouds for business operations. With these hurdles, a significant shift is occurring as 91% of surveyed companies are now relocating either all or part of their applications back to on-site or colocation data centers. The motivations for this move vary from seeking greater control over infrastructure and performance, reducing downtime and performance issues, to lessening dependence on external public cloud services. This trend highlights a widespread reevaluation of cloud-centric strategies among businesses. Subscribe to the LowEndBox newsletter to stay in the know for hosting industry developments plus great weekly deals on cloud, VPS and other hosting services. Only on LowEndBox.    LowEndBox is a go-to resource for those seeking budget-friendly hosting solutions. This editorial focuses on syndicated news articles, delivering timely information and insights about web hosting, technology, and internet services that cater specifically to the LowEndBox community. With a wide range of topics covered, it serves as a comprehensive source of up-to-date content, helping users stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of affordable hosting solutions. Read the full article