Since its inception in 1997 as part of Webafrica, offering a mere 5MBs of storage, the evolution of 1-grid has been nothing short of remarkable. Fast forward to 2013, Webafrica purchased Gridhost. By 2018, Gridhost underwent a significant transformation, rebranding to what we now know as 1-grid, a leading web hoster known for its comprehensive and reliable hosting solutions. In a move that underscored its commitment to providing fast, reliable, and secure hosting, the company relocated to an ISO-certified facility in 2022.
Now, let’s talk numbers – they’re impressive! Hosting over 77,000 customer websites and serving 32,000 customers on the platform, 1-grid’s growth is a testament to its reliability. With a dedicated team of over 45 members, they are living proof of their mission to “build the future of web hosting in South Africa.”
More than just hosting
1-grid is on a mission. With a vision to make the internet more accessible and cost-effective for businesses at any stage, their approach is refreshing. They prioritize accessibility with a low entry price, transparency with no small print, and predictability with monthly billing.
What’s commendable is their billing structure – no locks, no surprises, making it easily affordable for everyone. Unlike international hosting companies that bill in foreign currencies, 1-grid bills in RAND, eliminating the worry of foreign exchange for their customers. Plus, their use of multiple established South African-based payment providers like Payfast, Snapscan, and Zapper shows their commitment to addressing customer challenges.
With nearly 33% of South Africa grappling with poverty and unemployment, 1-grid recognized the urgent need to make creating a digital identity more accessible and affordable. They introduced products like domain and website builder packages – the only kind in South Africa offering company registration, domain, hosting, and a website builder, all-in-one. This initiative is not just about business; it’s about empowerment.
Security at the heart
In today’s digital age, security is paramount. 1-grid stands as a bastion of safety, bringing extensive experience in handling hacked sites, malware, and ransomware. Their system administrators are not just technicians; they’re guardians of the digital realm. With a basic honeypot recording over 25,000 attacks daily, their daily battle against cyber threats is relentless. Yet, their dedicated team ensures the online presence and security of customers, maintaining a proud track record of safeguarding their digital assets.
Helping businesses scale
Take MoyaApp, for example, a customer project that showcases 1-grid’s commitment to helping businesses thrive. MoyaApp is a South African business that offers free messaging and access to more than 300 websites and apps, covering news,, education, jobs and essential services like government services and information.
Originally hosted in Ireland, MoyaApp faced high costs and latency issues, affecting its South African customer base. The switch to 1-grid’s Cape Town data center was a game-changer, resulting in substantial cost savings and enhanced platform responsiveness. This collaboration is a prime example of 1-grid’s ability to understand and meet the specific needs of businesses looking to scale.
Looking to the future
1-grid is keeping a close eye on the trend towards local dedicated server hosting, driven by the rising costs of cloud-based services. This shift emphasizes the importance of cost optimization, data control, and heightened security, without compromising on performance or reliability. Prepared to meet the evolving needs of their customers, 1-grid stands out not just for the quality of their hosting solutions but also for the exceptional support team behind them. They are committed to delivering tailored solutions that exceed customer expectations in every aspect, as evidenced by the 96% five-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Educating the community
1-grid believes in empowering their customers with knowledge, especially about security. Starting with their Help Centre and blog, they offer resources and guidance to ensure that customers are well-informed and prepared to tackle the challenges of the digital world.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a leading force in South Africa’s web hosting landscape, 1-grid’s journey is a testament to its dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making the internet a more accessible, secure, and empowering space for businesses. As they continue to navigate the future of web hosting, their focus on customer needs, security, and community empowerment sets them apart, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
