MapServing (IMS hosting for Manifold) Offically Launched

I recall hearing about MapServing.com a while back, but per the press release the company, which hosts Mainfold IMS implementations, started back in 2004. Last week it officially launched.

I had the chance to visit MapServing last week and found the “demo” apps seemed to run just fine. There was nothing earthshattering in the gallery, just pretty straighforward, if somewhat dated looking apps.

It’s interesting to me that we went though a swell of companies offering hosting services in the early 00’s. Many came and went in part because potential users were still “figuring out” this Internet thing. I can’t think of any major player in this space in part because many smaller consultancies shifted their role as technology adviser to Web mapping host. Thus from what I understand, many smaller shops either host locally or contract with larger players to host the websites of their clients. Underlying these are a variety of technologies: ArcIMS, MapServer and here, Manifold.

The distinguishing features of this offering, based on the many FAQs offered on the site: price and configurability. Basically, users create their files in Manifold (yes, you must have Manifold), upload them and serve them. There are options and prices based on public hosting in the gallery, protected hosting (password access, etc) and the ability to embed the implementation in a webpage. Costs start from roughly $10, $30 and $50 per month respectively. James Fee was impressed with the prices in his write up of the recent user event.

I found some other hosting costs noted this week in a Government Technology article about “an ambitious GIS initiative by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), a state-sponsored entity charged with aiding development efforts in about 250 communities.”

The agency charges a municipality $8,800 to create a basic iCommunities site or $14,000 if the site includes in-depth economic development information. Annual upkeep costs $4,800 for the basic site, $6,000 with the economic development upgrade, or $7,200 with economic development and detailed crime data.