Thomas Savundra a Computer Science student, Suhan Shan a Business and Economics student, and a fellow classmate at York University decide to start a hosting company for small businesses
The founders choose the name Netfirms because it embodies their mission to connect small businesses and the Internet (Internet + businesses = Netfirms)
Infrastructure development for Netfirms begins
1999
Netfirms.com goes live offering ad-supported free web hosting
freewebhosting.com is launched to direct customers to Netfirms
Hundreds of customers sign up and Netfirms quickly develops a loyal following
Meets customer demand for ad-free paid hosting plans near the end of the year
2000
Dot-com bubble bursts and advertisement revenues drop
Netfirms continues to grow because of expanded product line
Includes free web design software on CD with hosting plans
Reaches 50,000 websites hosted
2001
Company expands, outgrows office space and moves to larger facility to accommodate employee growth
Develops clustered server technology
2002
Becomes the first web host to deploy clustered server technology
Hosts 100,000 websites utilizing new clustered servers
2003
Becomes an ICANN accredited domain name registrar
Offers free domain names to all new and existing Advantage and Business plan customers
Launches 24/7 customer service through email, telephone and live online chat
Is voted Best Small Business Web Host of 2003 for outstanding service to business websites by 100best.com
Moves to larger office to accommodate employee growth
2004
Becomes a CIRA accredited domain name registrar
Introduces Commerce Pro, a complete e-commerce solution free with web hosting
Offers .com, .net, .org, .info and .biz domain name registrations for industry-leading price, $4.95 per year
Hosts 200,000 websites
2005
Upgrades hosting plans and launches a new feature-rich control panel
Introduces ENTERPRISE product line - a Better Than DedicatedTM web development environment
Moves to larger-scale data center
Launches Netfirms.ca
Implements Netfirms Rewards program to reward customers who recommend Netfirms
Is recommended as an inexpensive and easy-to-use e-commerce web host by The Wall Street Journal
Is recognized as "One of the best values on the web for small business" by BusinessWeek
Is recognized as Fastest Growing Company in 2005 by HostReview
2006
Begins work with Microsoft to develop integrated Windows/Linux platform, Netfirms MultiPlatformTM
Launches MultiPro Reseller(TM) web hosting plans
Is recognized as one of Fastest Growing Companies in 2006 by PROFIT 100
Executes first National print ad campaign - ads are placed in industry magazines PC, Wired, PC World, Maximum PC
Hosts 500,000 websites
2007
First to launch integrated Windows/Linux platform, Netfirms MultiPlatform(TM)
Increases disk space and bandwidth and gives customers ability to host unlimited websites on one account
Launches Netfirms Green program to reduce energy consumption in day to day operations
Grows marketing services by offering Netfirms Web Design - affordable, professional website design services
Is recognized as one of Fastest Growing Companies in 2007 by PROFIT 100 for second consecutive year