In a big shake-up for the web hosting world, Newfold Digital has decided to phase out the Web.com brand and fold all its accounts into Network Solutions. This isn’t just a small tweak; it’s the end of a recognizable name that’s been around since the late ‘90s, now merging into one of the oldest domain registrars out there. If you have a site hosted on Web.com or a domain registered with the company, this news probably raises a few questions about what’s next.
Here’s the deal: Newfold Digital, a giant in the web presence game, owns both brands along with a bunch of others like Bluehost, ResellerClub, and HostGator. They’re streamlining things by bringing Web.com customers under the Network Solutions umbrella.
It’s a move that promises no headaches for users, with the same login details and pricing sticking around. But it’s also part of a bigger trend where companies are consolidating to stay competitive. At HostDean, we saw this coming. We highlighted the trend of provider mergers in both our web hosting statistics report and our annual hosting trends analysis.
Why does this matter?
Well, Web.com has been around since 1997, helping businesses get online with tools like website builders and marketing solutions. Network Solutions, meanwhile, has an even longer legacy as one of the internet’s first domain registrars.
Now, under Newfold Digital’s wing, they’re joining forces. I see it as a chance for customers to get more bang for their buck, with improved services down the road.
Let’s break it down and see what this merger really means.
Background of the Merger
A Quick Look at Web.com and Network Solutions
Web.com kicked off in 1997, starting as a web portal before shifting gears to web hosting and domain services under CEO Will Pemble in 1999. It grew into a one-stop shop for small businesses, offering everything from website builders to online marketing.
Network Solutions, or “NetSol,” has an even deeper history, launching in 1979 and becoming the first company to register domain names. If you’ve been online long enough, you might remember it as the go-to spot for grabbing a .com back in the day.
These two came together in 2011 when Web.com bought Network Solutions for about $560 million. Then, in 2021, Newfold Digital was born from a merger of Web.com Group and Endurance International Group (EIG). This latest step—blending Web.com into Network Solutions—is Newfold Digital’s way of tightening up its game plan.
Newfold Digital’s Big Picture
Newfold Digital isn’t a small player. It’s the umbrella for brands like Register.com, HostGator, Markmonitor, Yoast, and Domain.com, serving millions worldwide.
In recent years, Newfold has been merging brands into the more popular ones, particularly Bluehost. Among them were BH’s sister companies, HostMonster and JustHost, and the cheap VPS and shared hosting provider iPage, which was merged into the popular WordPress hosting service in 2023 along with its subsidiary FatCow.
Merging Web.com into Network Solutions feels like a smart move to focus their energy. I’d bet they’re aiming to polish up Network Solutions as their star brand along with Bluehost, which could mean good things for us users in the long run.
They may have intentions for the premium “web.com” domain name. A unique three-letter, one-word domain name like this is extremely rare and highly brandable. I believe they might create a website builder service similar to Wix or Squarespace, or they might sell the domain for a significant amount of money.
Impact on Web.com Customers
Smooth Sailing for Accounts
Here’s the good news: your Web.com account won’t hit any bumps moving to Network Solutions. Newfold Digital says there’ll be no downtime, and you’ll log in with the same username and password. Pricing stays the same, too.
Since both companies already share a similar backend, it’s not like you’ll need to learn a whole new system. From my experience with tech switches, that’s a relief; less hassle means more time for what matters.
A Win for Domain Investors
If you’re someone juggling domains on platforms like NameJet or SnapNames, this merger might make life easier. With Web.com and Network Solutions already linked behind the scenes, combining accounts could streamline things.
I know a few folks who’d love to manage their domain portfolios in one place without extra fees or headaches.
What’s in Store for Services
Right now, changes are minimal, but I’m optimistic about what’s coming. Newfold Digital can now pour more resources into Network Solutions. Think upgraded tools, better support, maybe even some fresh features.
For small business owners, that could mean a slicker way to tie together website hosting, websites, and marketing under one roof.
Future Outlook
Newfold Digital’s Next Steps
Newfold has undergone significant changes in recent years. One of the most notable developments was the migration to Oracle Cloud, which was discussed during Oracle’s Q2 2025 earnings call on March 10, 2025, and I published an article about it in the web hosting news section of our website, HostDean, at the time.
This merger feels like Newfold Digital is setting the stage for something bigger. Network Solutions has the name recognition and history to lead the charge. I suspect they’ll pump more into customer support and product updates, which could give us a stronger platform to build on.
It’s exciting to imagine where they’ll take it.
Possible Hiccups
Let’s be real! Mergers can stir up worries. Will service quality dip? Could the switch get messy? Newfold Digital swears the transition will be smooth, and I’m inclined to trust them, given their track record as I mentioned earlier.
Still, if you’re feeling unsure, their support team’s there to help. I’d say give them a shout if you’re on the fence.
Wrapping Up
This Web.com and Network Solutions merger is a big deal, but it’s not just corporate shuffling—it’s about building something better for us users. The switch looks painless, and the future seems promising with Newfold Digital steering the ship.
Whether you’re running a small site or managing a pile of domains, keep an eye on this one. Got questions? Network Solutions’ support is ready to chat.