Last year (2011) saw some major updates to WebEditCMS. Not only the extended name from WebEdit to WebEditCMS, but a major overhaul dubbed version 2.  (see WebEditCMS version history.)  I was really pleased with the progress that was made - although I always with I could have done more and there is still so much more that I want to do.  Now that Christmas is out of the way, bah-humbug, work can re-commence with a view to a Beta Release for public scrutiny in 2012.

Apart from loads of improvements that I have been logging each time I use WebEditCMS and occasional feedback from its current few external users, there are a number of major modules that are planned for inclusion.  In no particular order, these are:
- FAQs
- SUBSCRIPTIONS
- DOWNLOADS
- URL Shortner
- RSS

These new modules may or may not make it into the Beta Release, depending on time, as I dont want to continually move the deadline to add new modules.

I have a number of contacts that have expressed an interest in test driving WebEditCMS, but mainly non-developers that would need it installed for them.  This is great as usability feedback will improve the project no end, but ideally I would like someone to test drive installing and using the application on their own hosting.  Any takers?

Having been a 1and1 customer for over 10 years, I was recently asked to write a review for a magasine of my opionion of 1and1's services.  The review was to be posted into one of the magasine feedback forms, presumably so that it could be manipulated if required.  I eventually decided to write a review but post it on my own website and post a link to it into the form. At least it would then be published in its entirity.  Also, as at this point my views about 1and1 web hosting are mixed, I am not entirely sure which way this will go.

Account

I have a 'Business Pro' hosting account that I have had for a number of years, that was originally upgraded from a 'Business' account.  The reason for the upgrade was because I needed more than 2 MySql databases (on the Business account).  You get 8 on the Business Pro.  I am actually using about 6 databases actually - but only because they are there. I only really need 2 databases (a live and a backup) but it is impossible to downgrade your account. [-1]

Domains

I have a large number of domains registered with 1and1.  The interface is simple to use, perhaps a little clunky.    I get notified a month in advance of a domains automatic renewal and they are renewed unless you log into the 'contract.1and1.co.uk' site and alter the renewal decision.  I have expired domains using this site in the past - a relativley simple process.[+1]

I also use multiple sub-domains (you get about 1500 sub-domains with the business Pro account).  These are simple to setup, alter and remove as required.[+1]

I have migrated '.co.uk' and '.com' domains from other providers into 1and1.  The process is a little elongated for '.com's', but that is not the fault of 1and1.  It has always worked perfectly for me - just watch out for those emails with the code in.[+1]  Domains can be bought easily and are available for use very quickly.[+1]

Email

I have about 15 mailboxes in the 'Business Pro' account, all with Spam filtering options and Virus protection.[+1]  As many email re-directs can be set up as required, and these are simple and quick to do.[+1]  Each 'mailbox' comes with web-access ready enabled, and although recently updated, the web-mail inteface is still clunky and slow.[-1]

Email integration to Outlook is simple and help screens are available with screenshots for all different Email clients and versions.[+1]

Hosting

I have around 10Gb hosting space - which unless you start storing huge numbers of images and/or multiple videos is plenty.[+1]  There is a java applet available through the site to navigate, upload, download files throughout the webspace - which has come in handy for when FTP is blocked.[+1] 

SSH access is provided.[+1]

FTP accounts can be created at any level as required.[+1]

MySQL

As mentioned, 8 databases of 100Mb each.[+1]  You do not get the ability to create additional 'users' with defined access options, and the PHPMyAdmin console starts at the 'manage table' level, not the 'create database/user' level.[-1]  The databases are also only manageable through the 1and1 website, as they require this for authenticity.  Secure - maybee.  Anoying - definately so.  It does not allow you to use external applications like navicat, etc.. to manage the database.[-2]

The rest of the Apps

There are loads of additional applications in the Business Pro account.  Tonnes of them.  But they are all a bit useless, or just plain crap. 

It can, for example, create a Google Sitemap for you, on any domain.  Thats OK - but my Google sitemaps regenerate themselves automatically each time a page is created or modified, submit automatically to search engines and I can monitor their progress in Google.  And they include a stylesheet. (http://www.maggsweb.co.uk/sitemap.xml)  When you couple that, with Google's Webmaster Tools - then it makes 1and1's effort just useless.[-1]

I wish that 1and1 would realise that a 'Business Pro' account does not need '1and1 Website builder' and 'Graphics library' and all the other crap applications that it includes.  More is certainly NOT better. It just clutters the dashboard.[-2]

Up time

Uptime and reliability is good.  In 10 years I have witnessed a few outages, usually for a few hours at a time.  Their telephone support is (well, the last time I rang them) OK.  Not great - but a million time better than Orange.  You do get through to a person - fairly quickly.[0]

Conclusion

All in all, the scores are 11 plus points, 8 bad points and an indifferent.  Not a resounding recommendation - but not scathing. 

Would I recommend them?  Probably not. 

Will I move away? probably not. 

I have a lot of time invested in my 1and1 account and I am used to it.  To change would take years.

I've been thinking recently, since I had to buy a new PC, if I could mange to survive using only totally open-source software. I mean using completely free applications, not trials or demos, and continuing to work from home, to see if I could actually manage.

At present I am using #Office 2003 and have been for years. I could however probably change to Open Office, as it more than likely has all of the functionality that I need to use at home. For email I could use #Thunderbird (we do in work), and its just as good if not better for searching as Outlook.

I use #Catch for notes so that they are available wherever I am, even on the mobile. I use #DropBox for saving and managing files and #Astrid for reminders. I use also #Google's calendar & bookmarks. These are all web and mobile apps that constantly keep in sync, and are all free to use.

The other applications I need are for web development are #NetBeans & #Navicat, both open source and excellent dependable applications. No problem there, however, this where it ends. I still use #Fireworks & #Photoshop and #PaintShop (depending on the job), and have jet to come across open-source alternatives that are as good.

So, I'm not about to move for the sake of it - but "could I ?" is the point I am trying to make, and the answer is No.