Interviewed on 26 Nov 08
Karl Zimmerman, President
Steadfast Networks is a Chicago based shared hosting, VPS, dedicated server, and collocation provider focusing on providing reliable services at a good value to its customers. The company was started in 1998 as a shared hosting company and has grown quickly from there (listed in the
Inc 500 Fastest Growing Companies), to the point of operating its own network (AS32748) and 10,000 sq. ft. data center facility at Chicago’s premier carrier hotel, 350 E Cermak Rd. With this prime location, Steadfast Networks is able to offer over 50 Gbit/sec of network capacity
with connectivity to major providers, such as Savvis, Level(3) and TeliaSonera, as well as extensive peering through the Chicago Internet Exchange and the Equinix Internet Exchange. The location also allows for easy connectivity to other networks as over 100 networks are
available from Equinix, on the 5th and 6th floors, while 30+ networks are available in the building Meet-Me Room next door, including financial networks such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, ICE, and BT Radianz.
What unique selling points do you offer?
The difference is the level of service we're able to offer at the price point. All of our staff is on-site, at the data center, not out-sourced. There are also not multiple levels of support, whoever you talk to on the phone will be able to assist you with your support issues, no matter what the problem is, that means no waiting for someone to come in on Monday if you submit a ticket over the weekend, etc. With
this configuration, we are consistently able to answer the phones promptly and get tickets answered within a matter of minutes.
Describe the services you offer?
Web hosting is the reliable delivery/availability of online content, be it a web site, email, backups, etc.
Describe your target market?
Our target market has historically been small to medium businesses, but with our location there has been an increasing amount of business in the financial industry.
How is your company planning for the future?
The plans over the next 5 years involve adding additional facilities in the Chicago area, which is our core focus at this point. We then also hope to expand to some other major markets, including San Jose, Washington DC, and New York City.
What benefits can you offer your customers?
We started small, as a simple web hosting provider and have grown to become a major provider of dedicated server and colocation services in the Chicago market. We have been offering services for over 10 years now and are here to stay. In addition, we understand what is needed to grow an online business and with our experience we can assure you are provided with the service you need at an affordable price point.
How do you support your customers?
We offer 24/7 support via phone, including toll free, and email/ticket. All support staff is on-site at the data center.
