Ventures Online was the fifth-fastest growing provider between May and October, posting a 53 percent gain in active sites (23.2K to 35.7K). The company started out in 1997 as a web design and hosting business targeting the SME market. In 2001 it shfted its focus to the reseller hosting market,establishing a reputation for strong customer support.

Data393 launched last year, operating out of a former COLO.COM facility in Englewood, Colo. Ventures Online CEO John Burns confirmed that the company is discussing a business combination, but offered no details in a post at Web Hosting Talk.

“What I can tell you is that Ventures Online is indeed in discussions with another company,” wrote Burns. “The ultimate goal is to enhance the resources of the company so as to provide the very best products and services for its customers. The current customer focus and core values of Ventures Online will remain the same.”