Joan writes: I heard that Apple is doing away with iWeb. Is this true or are they just doing away with providing the hosting through MobileMe since iCloud is taking over? Thank you.
Hi Joan! Yep, you’re right: With the imminent arrival of iCloud, Apple’s cloud-based MobileMe replacement, Apple will indeed stop hosting sites created with its iWeb site-building tool. (Also slated to disappear in the iCloud transition: the remote iDisk service, and MobileMe photo galleries.)
Just to be clear, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to stop using the iWeb software—indeed, you should be able to continue using it for as long as it runs on your Mac.
That said, Apple says it will cease hosting iWeb sites on June 30, 2012, which means you’ll need to find a new web host before then.
Check out this listing from CNET for some options and pricing plans; you might also consider Jimdo, a service that’s offering a specific hosting plan for iWeb users.
Once you’ve settled on a web host, you’ll need to transfer your site from MobileMe to your new host. Luckily, the process is relatively straightforward; all you have to do is enter the correct FTP (short for “File Transfer Protocol”) information into the iWeb tool and click the “Publish Site” button. Apple has a step-by-step tutorial for transferring your site right here.
Wondering if it’s time to give up on iWeb altogether? Well, there are plenty of other easy-to-use site building tools available for the Mac; check out this Cult of Mac story for profiles of three of them.
Good luck, Joan!