Do you use your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to get your e-mail. If you are using their 'conveniently' provided e-mail addresses for your business then you are at risk - future marketing costs, poor customer service, and lost business!
I just talked to a small business owner that had her Internet service cut off. It was only an administrative error, but it caused her 2 weeks without Internet and e-mail, and was enough to make her change Internet service providers. So now she has to notify all her contacts to let them know she has a different e-mail address - that is how I found out about her dilemma.
But that is just the beginning. She will now have to change her business cards, her brochures, flyers, etc. And what about that add in the yellow pages. Or all the business directories her business is listed with. Maybe she just spent money on a direct marketing campaign - what about those contacts. And just think about all those business cards that she may have handed out over the last months or years.
Another small business owner recently moved to a new and larger location. You expect that you have to change marketing information after a move like this, but you want to maintain contact with as many clients and prospects as you can through the move. But unfortunately the ISP she had at her old location is not available at her new office. So keeping that old e-mail address provided by the old Internet provider is not feasible.
Another scenario is when your ISP informs you that your e-mail address is changing. It is a wonder that this does not encounter outrage from business owners. Both Shaw (changed from name@home.com to name@shaw.ca) and telus (from name@telusplanet.net to name@telus.net) have done this over the last number of years. This causes large cost, and untold lost prospects and business to the small business owners.
So what is the solution? GET YOUR OWN DOMAIN NAME! For around $10 to $25 per year you can get your own domain name that you own and control. For another $25 to $50 per year you can use that domain name for all your business e-mails. (And if you want to spend another $100 plus you can have a very basic web site to promote your business).
With a little work, or with your local Internet techie's help, you can set up your e-mail program to work with that domain name to handle all your business e-mails. And never have to worry about someone else controlling your business contact information!
Do it now!
Jack Zenert believes that marketing is the key to success in your business.
Jack has created several successful businesses, and now consults with business and associations on improving their marketing
- Improve your Sales
- Get online Results Now
- The information you need to reach the top
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Zenert
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Clean Up Your Act With Internet Fax
If you own a small business or home based business, you can appreciate the evolution of technology that has allowed computers to function as a PC and a fax machine. With the immergence of internet fax providers, small and home based businesses can take advantage of the numerous benefits that internet faxing offers.
First of all, internet fax contributes to the overall efficiency of the office. All faxes can be sent and received without leaving your desk. Gone are the days of going back and forth to the fax machine to see if that fax you have been waiting for has arrived yet. Faxes can be delivered to one email address or many. Some internet fax providers even offer a web access panel so that faxes can be viewed online from any computer with internet access. Sending faxes can be accomplished right from your desktop as well using fax software supplied by the provider or a web access panel.
By using an internet fax service you also create a "paper trail" of your correspondence without having the "paper trail" clutter. Like other internet based communication a digital record is created and stored for quick and easy retrieval anytime. The digital copies can be stored on your own PC or with your internet fax provider.
Having an internet fax provider also eliminates the need of having expensive and cumbersome fax hardware that's hard to use. In a small or home based office, space can be hard to come by. Keeping your fax machine virtual frees up precious space and contributes to a cleaner and more organized office.
Brandi Cummings, an expert in the field of virtual telecommunications recommends Fax800.com (http://www.fax800.com), a leading provider of internet fax technology for small business.';
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandi_Cummings
First of all, internet fax contributes to the overall efficiency of the office. All faxes can be sent and received without leaving your desk. Gone are the days of going back and forth to the fax machine to see if that fax you have been waiting for has arrived yet. Faxes can be delivered to one email address or many. Some internet fax providers even offer a web access panel so that faxes can be viewed online from any computer with internet access. Sending faxes can be accomplished right from your desktop as well using fax software supplied by the provider or a web access panel.
By using an internet fax service you also create a "paper trail" of your correspondence without having the "paper trail" clutter. Like other internet based communication a digital record is created and stored for quick and easy retrieval anytime. The digital copies can be stored on your own PC or with your internet fax provider.
Having an internet fax provider also eliminates the need of having expensive and cumbersome fax hardware that's hard to use. In a small or home based office, space can be hard to come by. Keeping your fax machine virtual frees up precious space and contributes to a cleaner and more organized office.
Brandi Cummings, an expert in the field of virtual telecommunications recommends Fax800.com (http://www.fax800.com), a leading provider of internet fax technology for small business.';
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandi_Cummings
Almost Anyone Can Receive Internet Service From HughesNet
HughesNet is the perfect choice for you if you want a high speed Internet connection that offers flexibility and high quality anywhere in the country. The company has the widest geographical base for providing Internet access due to its reliance on satellite technology. Where other companies use underground cables or telephone lines to provide Internet access, HughesNet uses only satellites. This makes the service the most flexibly and convenient service possible to get. For home or business use, HughesNet satellite Internet can provide you with the service you have always wanted without tying you down.
As satellite television service and satellite phones have shown, satellite technology is a powerful way to provide telecommunications needs to people without required land lines. Using satellite technology to make the Internet more accessible just makes sense. The only two requirements for getting online with HughesNet service are a source of power and a clear view of the southern sky. It is the rare place in America that does not have at least one area of the property that doesn't have a clear view to the south and it is possible to get power of some sort, even if it is solar or wind based, no matter where you live.
Without needing to be constrained by phone lines or cables, you have a lot more choices when it comes to getting online. One of the most obvious is that you can live wherever you want, even in extremely rural areas where there are no services. Just because you live off the beaten track doesn't mean you have to feel isolated. Though HughesNet service makes a lot of sense for rural people, it is also great for urban dwellers. Because it is completely portable, the service does not have to be discontinued just because you move. Other than the small period of time that it takes to reinstall the satellite dish, you will have no disruptions to your satellite Internet service.
As would be expected with a technology as advanced as satellite Internet, HughesNet provides many advanced features with its service plans. A satellite dish that can both send and receive data is provided as well as a satellite modem that can even be hooked up to a wireless router. Other HughesNet features include email addresses, anti-spam and anti-virus software, and live technical support. If you want more features, a small fee can get you services like a security suite, domain parking, web hosting, and blogging.
HughesNet Internet service is also extremely fast, which makes it easy to download even large documents and to enjoy sites like Second Life and YouTube. Three separate home plans offer download speeds from 700 Kbps all the way to 1.5 Mbps. This gives a lot more freedom than dial up and makes surfing the Internet fast and easy. HughesNet Internet service also gives you the freedom to keep your telephone line open while using the Internet. You don't have to worry about missing important calls or tying up the phone line for hours. You can even talk on the telephone at the same time as surfing the web. This level of flexibility is an important benefit of upgrading from a dial up connection.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Hall
As satellite television service and satellite phones have shown, satellite technology is a powerful way to provide telecommunications needs to people without required land lines. Using satellite technology to make the Internet more accessible just makes sense. The only two requirements for getting online with HughesNet service are a source of power and a clear view of the southern sky. It is the rare place in America that does not have at least one area of the property that doesn't have a clear view to the south and it is possible to get power of some sort, even if it is solar or wind based, no matter where you live.
Without needing to be constrained by phone lines or cables, you have a lot more choices when it comes to getting online. One of the most obvious is that you can live wherever you want, even in extremely rural areas where there are no services. Just because you live off the beaten track doesn't mean you have to feel isolated. Though HughesNet service makes a lot of sense for rural people, it is also great for urban dwellers. Because it is completely portable, the service does not have to be discontinued just because you move. Other than the small period of time that it takes to reinstall the satellite dish, you will have no disruptions to your satellite Internet service.
As would be expected with a technology as advanced as satellite Internet, HughesNet provides many advanced features with its service plans. A satellite dish that can both send and receive data is provided as well as a satellite modem that can even be hooked up to a wireless router. Other HughesNet features include email addresses, anti-spam and anti-virus software, and live technical support. If you want more features, a small fee can get you services like a security suite, domain parking, web hosting, and blogging.
HughesNet Internet service is also extremely fast, which makes it easy to download even large documents and to enjoy sites like Second Life and YouTube. Three separate home plans offer download speeds from 700 Kbps all the way to 1.5 Mbps. This gives a lot more freedom than dial up and makes surfing the Internet fast and easy. HughesNet Internet service also gives you the freedom to keep your telephone line open while using the Internet. You don't have to worry about missing important calls or tying up the phone line for hours. You can even talk on the telephone at the same time as surfing the web. This level of flexibility is an important benefit of upgrading from a dial up connection.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Hall
Looking For a Web Host Provider?
An internet service that provides users with a way to post or upload web pages on the internet, web hosting has become one of the most lucrative online businesses. If you are hoping to utilize the features of the internet to connect your business to the world, then you will have to find a reliable web hosting services provider.
What should you look for?
When it comes to choosing a web host, you must know what features to look for. Here are some of the important factors that you should consider:
• Affordable: with the many choices of web hosts, choosing one that offers low prices does not always mean quality services. On the other hand, some providers merely advertise high quality services but users will feel shortchanged because of the poor quality. Users must really do their research in order to find a web hosting provider who can meet their needs and requirements.
• Reliable: because the trend nowadays it to outsource web hosting in order to minimize cost, users need to find a web host who they can rely on to meet their requirements.
• Excellent Customer Service: naturally, users would want a web hosting provider to provide them with expertise borne from experience. In addition, the provider must be very professional when dealing with clients.
If you really want reliable, affordable and excellent quality services, you should check out The Magic Host (www.themagichost.com). Their services include the following:
• Shared Hosting – customers will receive domain name for FREE, regular update, setup, management and back up. Clients can even choose from a wide variety of operating systems including FreeBSD, Oracle, Linux and Windows severs. This shared web host service also includes shared SSL, all for an affordable monthly fee of $4.50. Packages offer disk spaces ranging from 50 GB to 400 GB, with as much as 4000GB bandwidth.
• VPS Hosting: if you want web hosting services that include multiple back up systems for Free, you should choose the VPS web hosting package at $55 per month. It also comes with free setup, and SSL.
• Dedicated Hosting: for as low as $174 a month, users can avail of this web hosting package that features multiple backups and SSL for Free. Not only this, but this package comes with a 99.9 percent uptime SLA guarantee.
All these web hosting packages come with 24/7 customer service support provided by certified engineers as well as a dedicated personal account manager, which provides Full Management Services. The Magic Host can also host up to 6 domains, included in the entry level hosting package that comes with a cPanel. To make the deal sweeter, users can avail of the marketing submission – also for Free.
And since The Magic Host is a total web hosting solutions provider, customers can choose to utilize the other services like the site tools, ecommerce, management tools and marketing tools. Indeed, this provider is a one-stop shop for all web hosting needs.
The Magic Host is a total web hosting solutions provider. Visit our online resource center now to get free access to information on budget host and cheap host
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cy_Lee
What should you look for?
When it comes to choosing a web host, you must know what features to look for. Here are some of the important factors that you should consider:
• Affordable: with the many choices of web hosts, choosing one that offers low prices does not always mean quality services. On the other hand, some providers merely advertise high quality services but users will feel shortchanged because of the poor quality. Users must really do their research in order to find a web hosting provider who can meet their needs and requirements.
• Reliable: because the trend nowadays it to outsource web hosting in order to minimize cost, users need to find a web host who they can rely on to meet their requirements.
• Excellent Customer Service: naturally, users would want a web hosting provider to provide them with expertise borne from experience. In addition, the provider must be very professional when dealing with clients.
If you really want reliable, affordable and excellent quality services, you should check out The Magic Host (www.themagichost.com). Their services include the following:
• Shared Hosting – customers will receive domain name for FREE, regular update, setup, management and back up. Clients can even choose from a wide variety of operating systems including FreeBSD, Oracle, Linux and Windows severs. This shared web host service also includes shared SSL, all for an affordable monthly fee of $4.50. Packages offer disk spaces ranging from 50 GB to 400 GB, with as much as 4000GB bandwidth.
• VPS Hosting: if you want web hosting services that include multiple back up systems for Free, you should choose the VPS web hosting package at $55 per month. It also comes with free setup, and SSL.
• Dedicated Hosting: for as low as $174 a month, users can avail of this web hosting package that features multiple backups and SSL for Free. Not only this, but this package comes with a 99.9 percent uptime SLA guarantee.
All these web hosting packages come with 24/7 customer service support provided by certified engineers as well as a dedicated personal account manager, which provides Full Management Services. The Magic Host can also host up to 6 domains, included in the entry level hosting package that comes with a cPanel. To make the deal sweeter, users can avail of the marketing submission – also for Free.
And since The Magic Host is a total web hosting solutions provider, customers can choose to utilize the other services like the site tools, ecommerce, management tools and marketing tools. Indeed, this provider is a one-stop shop for all web hosting needs.
The Magic Host is a total web hosting solutions provider. Visit our online resource center now to get free access to information on budget host and cheap host
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cy_Lee
A Review of Time Warner Internet
What is your occupation? Do you by chance use a computer at all? Ha, that's a good one, I know. You more than likely use a computer on a regular basis. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Heck, most jobs these days require some kind of computer assistance. Even the waitress in your local restaurant probably uses a computer to ring things up. And this doesn't even concern how often you make use of a PC or Mac when relaxing at home.
Who is your Internet service provider and are you satisfied with them? Is your high speed cable service up to snuff? Now days there are a variety of cable services to choose from. You most likely have one in your local town. Then there are the big kids on the block. One of them is Time Warner Internet. This is the largest service provider of Internet access in the country.
If you already have Time Warner Internet you know what I mean? To be more technical, it's called Roadrunner. With a little bit of homework you'll know that Time Warner Internet offers specific packages to their customers. At this time, I have Time Warner Internet, cable television, and phone service. It's a package deal if you will. I like this because it means one convenient monthly payment. Now, if you already have Time Warner Internet, then you probably understand its advantages. Or the individuals who have not joined Time Warner Internet, I'll give you the scoop. I purchased the Roadrunner service in the past. Way back when it all started. Wow, was it an upgrade from dial-up. It's kind of the difference between a Volkswagen beetle and a Porsche 911 turbo. I think you get my point.
I have to admit that I enjoyed the service from day one. Roadrunner actually offered high-quality Internet. Years later I moved and decided to try the local Internet provider. I realized it was a mistake when I got my first bill. It turned out to be a tad pricier than they had originally claimed. Making things worse, my Internet service would randomly throw me off line, all of course at the worst possible time. This got rather irksome to say the least. I had to go back to reliable Time Warner Internet.
If you are seeking reliable and affordable high-speed cable Internet, then maybe it's time you gave Roadrunner a shot. With Time Warner Internet you can get a customized package which specifically fits your needs. Isn't that what it's all about folks? Getting great service and the quality product for your money isn't too much to ask for, in my opinion. Get online and check out the great deals today.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning internet. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting time warner internet
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton
Who is your Internet service provider and are you satisfied with them? Is your high speed cable service up to snuff? Now days there are a variety of cable services to choose from. You most likely have one in your local town. Then there are the big kids on the block. One of them is Time Warner Internet. This is the largest service provider of Internet access in the country.
If you already have Time Warner Internet you know what I mean? To be more technical, it's called Roadrunner. With a little bit of homework you'll know that Time Warner Internet offers specific packages to their customers. At this time, I have Time Warner Internet, cable television, and phone service. It's a package deal if you will. I like this because it means one convenient monthly payment. Now, if you already have Time Warner Internet, then you probably understand its advantages. Or the individuals who have not joined Time Warner Internet, I'll give you the scoop. I purchased the Roadrunner service in the past. Way back when it all started. Wow, was it an upgrade from dial-up. It's kind of the difference between a Volkswagen beetle and a Porsche 911 turbo. I think you get my point.
I have to admit that I enjoyed the service from day one. Roadrunner actually offered high-quality Internet. Years later I moved and decided to try the local Internet provider. I realized it was a mistake when I got my first bill. It turned out to be a tad pricier than they had originally claimed. Making things worse, my Internet service would randomly throw me off line, all of course at the worst possible time. This got rather irksome to say the least. I had to go back to reliable Time Warner Internet.
If you are seeking reliable and affordable high-speed cable Internet, then maybe it's time you gave Roadrunner a shot. With Time Warner Internet you can get a customized package which specifically fits your needs. Isn't that what it's all about folks? Getting great service and the quality product for your money isn't too much to ask for, in my opinion. Get online and check out the great deals today.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning internet. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting time warner internet
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton
Monday, October 8, 2007
Tips On Choosing An Internet Service Provider(ISP)
We've all had to do it. Choosing an Internet Service Provider does involve some time and research. Here are a few things to look at when making the decision about who will get you connected.
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing an ISP is performance. Performance involves things such as connection speed and reliability of service. When assessing connection speed, an important question to ask relates to bandwidth. Bandwidth measures how much data can be sent or received through a connection. It also measures the speed at which data is transmitted through a network or the capacity of the lines. Therefore, the greater the capacity of the line, the greater the connection speed. The bandwidth is often indicated as:
* T1 - data is transmitted at a speed of 1.45 megabits per second
* E1 - data is transmitted at a speed of 2.048 megabits per second
* T3 - data is transmitted at a speed of 45 megabits per second
Another factor affecting connection speed is the speed of your modem, whether it's 56K, 33.6, or 28.8 kilobits per second. The higher the number, the faster the modem. In order to maximize the use of your modem you should make sure your ISP's modems are at least as fast as yours. To achieve a particular connection, both your modem and your ISP's dial up modem should support it. If for example you have a 56K modem, and the ISP only supports 33K, then your connection will be at 33K despite the fact that you have a faster modem. Find an ISP that also offers high-speed connections including ISDN, ADSL, and cable. Although you may not feel the need now, it may be something you will consider later on. It is also a good idea to ask questions about the ISP's network topology. This information explains how the ISP itself connects to the internet. Some providers communicate directly with all other networks on the Internet which means the time it takes your information to reach its destination is dramatically lower, therefore leading to a faster connection. With other ISP's your data must first traverse that ISP's network, and then cross its "parent" provider's network before it gets to the Internet. Internet traffic from users of these providers has to make quite a few hops before it reaches the mainstream of the network. So if your ISP doesn't have a good connection to the internet themselves, your connection speed is greatly reduced. A second concern is that the provider will typically have only one connection to its "parent". If this link becomes congested, and goes down, your connection goes down as well. A good indicator of an inadequate network connection is that the percentage of the network's capacity is dangerously high. If an ISP has many customers and a few modems, its dial-in number can often be busy, which means the connection cannot be made. A low customer to modem ratio greatly reduces the odds of all the modems being busy and increases the chances that an Internet connection will be availble when it is needed. Most experts recommend that the customer to modem ratio be no higher than ten to one. This means that there are ten customers sharing a modem. It is always wise to find out the provider's user-to-modem ratio.
It is important to make sure that the Internet Service Provider of choice supports all of the software and services that you wish to use. Full internet access usually involves access to the following; the World Wide Web, FTP(the ability to transfer files from and to different networks-- File Transfer Protocol) , Telnet(the ability to access other computers), Archie, Gopher, Internet Relay Chat, e-mail, and newsgroups. The ISP should also offer server space for personal web pages. You should find out how much disk storage space you will be provided with, it should be at least five megabytes. Some ISP's offer the option of upgrading to a domain name in the future by providing free hosting space. Most ISP's at least provide you with a web browser application to surf the web and an e-mail client. Some may require you to purchase these separately. Your service provider of choice should provide you with step-by-step instructions or an installation disk that will automatically set up everything for you. One of the most important things to check before buying internet access from an ISP is to make sure that a local phone number for dial in access is available. If the company does not have a Point of Presence (POP) within the local call distance, long distance charges will be incurred. A POP enables users to connect to the Web via a local call, but if the ISP has a POP in only one city you'll be making a long-distance phone call every time you leave that area. The Internet Service Provider you choose should offer toll-free or local access points outside the local (home- based) calling area for traveling customers.
Customer service is another important factor to consider when choosing your service provider. Twenty-four hour a day customer service guarantees that the consumer can get assistance whenever required. This is important because most internet exploring does not happen during the regular business day. The competency of the staff is another issue to be considered. If the staff is incompetent, whenever a problem arises that the staff doesn't know how to handle, essential network services may be down until help is found. The staff should be knowledgable as well as courteous and helpful to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Asking the ISP about what type of training they provide to their staff can give you an indication of what type of customer service you should expect.
The last factor to consider is price. The price you pay for your internet access can vary from provider to provider. Some of the different options to beware of include limiting the number of hours of access, signing contracts, activation/set-up fees, and limiting the amount of information you can download. All of these things should be looked into since there are Internet Service Providers that offer unlimited access for a specific amount each month with month to month service agreements. You can expect to pay approximately $20 a month for unlimted access, a figure significantly higher or lower should be scrutinized.
http://arizonacommunity.com/articles/isp_jan2001.shtml
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing an ISP is performance. Performance involves things such as connection speed and reliability of service. When assessing connection speed, an important question to ask relates to bandwidth. Bandwidth measures how much data can be sent or received through a connection. It also measures the speed at which data is transmitted through a network or the capacity of the lines. Therefore, the greater the capacity of the line, the greater the connection speed. The bandwidth is often indicated as:
* T1 - data is transmitted at a speed of 1.45 megabits per second
* E1 - data is transmitted at a speed of 2.048 megabits per second
* T3 - data is transmitted at a speed of 45 megabits per second
Another factor affecting connection speed is the speed of your modem, whether it's 56K, 33.6, or 28.8 kilobits per second. The higher the number, the faster the modem. In order to maximize the use of your modem you should make sure your ISP's modems are at least as fast as yours. To achieve a particular connection, both your modem and your ISP's dial up modem should support it. If for example you have a 56K modem, and the ISP only supports 33K, then your connection will be at 33K despite the fact that you have a faster modem. Find an ISP that also offers high-speed connections including ISDN, ADSL, and cable. Although you may not feel the need now, it may be something you will consider later on. It is also a good idea to ask questions about the ISP's network topology. This information explains how the ISP itself connects to the internet. Some providers communicate directly with all other networks on the Internet which means the time it takes your information to reach its destination is dramatically lower, therefore leading to a faster connection. With other ISP's your data must first traverse that ISP's network, and then cross its "parent" provider's network before it gets to the Internet. Internet traffic from users of these providers has to make quite a few hops before it reaches the mainstream of the network. So if your ISP doesn't have a good connection to the internet themselves, your connection speed is greatly reduced. A second concern is that the provider will typically have only one connection to its "parent". If this link becomes congested, and goes down, your connection goes down as well. A good indicator of an inadequate network connection is that the percentage of the network's capacity is dangerously high. If an ISP has many customers and a few modems, its dial-in number can often be busy, which means the connection cannot be made. A low customer to modem ratio greatly reduces the odds of all the modems being busy and increases the chances that an Internet connection will be availble when it is needed. Most experts recommend that the customer to modem ratio be no higher than ten to one. This means that there are ten customers sharing a modem. It is always wise to find out the provider's user-to-modem ratio.
It is important to make sure that the Internet Service Provider of choice supports all of the software and services that you wish to use. Full internet access usually involves access to the following; the World Wide Web, FTP(the ability to transfer files from and to different networks-- File Transfer Protocol) , Telnet(the ability to access other computers), Archie, Gopher, Internet Relay Chat, e-mail, and newsgroups. The ISP should also offer server space for personal web pages. You should find out how much disk storage space you will be provided with, it should be at least five megabytes. Some ISP's offer the option of upgrading to a domain name in the future by providing free hosting space. Most ISP's at least provide you with a web browser application to surf the web and an e-mail client. Some may require you to purchase these separately. Your service provider of choice should provide you with step-by-step instructions or an installation disk that will automatically set up everything for you. One of the most important things to check before buying internet access from an ISP is to make sure that a local phone number for dial in access is available. If the company does not have a Point of Presence (POP) within the local call distance, long distance charges will be incurred. A POP enables users to connect to the Web via a local call, but if the ISP has a POP in only one city you'll be making a long-distance phone call every time you leave that area. The Internet Service Provider you choose should offer toll-free or local access points outside the local (home- based) calling area for traveling customers.
Customer service is another important factor to consider when choosing your service provider. Twenty-four hour a day customer service guarantees that the consumer can get assistance whenever required. This is important because most internet exploring does not happen during the regular business day. The competency of the staff is another issue to be considered. If the staff is incompetent, whenever a problem arises that the staff doesn't know how to handle, essential network services may be down until help is found. The staff should be knowledgable as well as courteous and helpful to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Asking the ISP about what type of training they provide to their staff can give you an indication of what type of customer service you should expect.
The last factor to consider is price. The price you pay for your internet access can vary from provider to provider. Some of the different options to beware of include limiting the number of hours of access, signing contracts, activation/set-up fees, and limiting the amount of information you can download. All of these things should be looked into since there are Internet Service Providers that offer unlimited access for a specific amount each month with month to month service agreements. You can expect to pay approximately $20 a month for unlimted access, a figure significantly higher or lower should be scrutinized.
http://arizonacommunity.com/articles/isp_jan2001.shtml
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Infrastructure To Go
Since September 1999, Loudcloud has been making a name for itself as an expert eServices infrastructure provider. Loudcloud focuses on high-growth companies that need to get connected easily, quickly, and reliably—primarily, dot-coms and ASPs. In industries where time-to-market will make you, and inability to scale will break you, getting the most out of every resource is essential. Loudcloud's value proposition is simple: Focus in-house talent on building your business, and leave the driving to us.
Pedigreed staff, best-of-breed platforms
For ASPs, establishing a robust on-line presence is not a sideline—it is the foundation on which the entire business rests. Choosing an ASP infrastructure provider is a huge decision with tremendous consequences. So, why trust a third party like Loudcloud?
Start with Loudcloud's impeccable pedigree. Founded by top talent from Netscape and AOL, Loudcloud is lead by Chairman Marc Andreesen and CEO Ben Horowitz. Board members include Intuit Chairman Bill Campbell and former Disney President Michael Ovitz. With deep-pocket equity funding by Benchmark Capital and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Loudcloud hired nearly 400 staffers with "deep expertise", including those responsible for high-volume sites like InfoSeek and Netscape. Its research group alone is said to possess 100 years of collective industry experience.
Expert staff is critically important, but an infrastructure is ultimately the sum of its parts. Loudcloud assembles best-of-breed platforms by leveraging strategic alliances with Akamai, EMC, Exodus, GlobalCenter, HP, iPlanet, Microsoft, Network Appliance, Sun, and others. For example, the platform Loudcloud created for SkillsVillage.com is based on three redundant pairs of Sun 4xx servers. These web, application, and database servers run Netscape Enterprise Server, Netscape Application Server, and Oracle8i, respectively. This site is hosted at GlobalCenter for robust network connectivity, front-ended by Cisco PIX firewalls and Alteon load balancers.
Loudcloud supports a variety of platforms, as required to meet diverse customer needs. During its first year of operation, Loudcloud evaluated the performance, stability, security, and interoperability of nearly 200 infrastructure technologies. "[Our] mission is to constantly evaluate advancements across the stack of networks, systems, and applications with an eye towards helping build out Loudcloud's environment," said Loudcloud VP David Posey. "This helps a customer more quickly build its custom application that runs on top of Loudcloud's software infrastructure services."
Tiered infrastructure
Loudcloud is a soup-to-nuts infrastructure provider. They supply the floorspace, high-availability hardware and software, and load-balanced network facilities, all backed by a 100% scheduled uptime guarantee. Loudcloud's operational environment includes 24x7 multi-level monitoring, storage management, and network and host security.
Managing a complex infrastructure can be incredibly resource-intensive. Even when this burden is outsourced, it can be tough to add services and capacity quickly. Loudcloud addresses this challenge with OpsWare, a proprietary technology that automates capacity management, configuration, provisioning, and versioning. Customers can also monitor and tune their own sites through my.Loudcloud, a self-service management interface. Loudcloud provides capacity on demand; each customer's monthly fee is based on usage.
Smart Cloud services
These core technologies support a suite of "Smart Cloud" services, assembled to meet each customer's needs. Start with Web Cloud and/or Application Server Cloud. These services provide a ready foundation for Internet business applications that operate in Linux, Solaris, or Windows NT/2000 AS environments. Web Cloud supports Apache, Microsoft IIS, and iPlanet Enterprise servers. Application Cloud alternatives include Allaire JRUN, ATG Dynamo, BEA WebLogic, Microsoft COM+, Netscape Application Server, and Vignette Story Server. Need another web or application server? Loudcloud claims to support nearly any application architecture, including custom systems.
Sites that require back-end systems integration can add Database Cloud: managed, high-availability database solutions based on Oracle8i or Microsoft SQL Server. Those that need inbound/outbound messaging or an open information repository can subscribe to Mail Cloud or Directory Cloud. All of these services are architected to avoid single-point-of-failure, and are accompanied by storage and backup management. Loudcloud lets you deploy applications that require these services without having to worry about platform design or administration.
Facilitating growth
For global load balancing and disaster recovery through rapid site redeployment, add GlobalConnect. To further increase delivery speed, add Content Distribution Cloud, a service that pushes content to the network edge using Akamai FreeFlow. Using Loudcloud's a la carte approach, a dot-com or ASP can deploy a basic site at first, then add premium services as the business grows. Because Loudcloud's infrastructure is designed for scalability from the get-go, capacity can be added quickly, with minimal fuss.
Making the most of this platform requires careful deployment, on-going monitoring, and quality control. Staging Cloud permits site verification with a small-scale replica before production deployment, complemented by integrity testing and rollback. Stress Cloud uses Mercury Interactive's LoadRunner to simulate as many as 100K concurrent users. Transaction Monitoring Cloud uses Mercury Interactive's Topaz to continuously measure, alert, and report on site performance, as perceived by end users.
Smart Cloud is intended to help customers to move quickly to market. Indeed, the SkillsVillage.com site was deployed in just three weeks. "By not having to figure out all the pieces that make up the infrastructure of their eBusiness, Loudcloud customers have the time and resources to focus on developing new features that will generate revenue or differentiate their business from the competition," said CEO Horowitz.
Instant ASP
Loudcloud's core platforms and Smart Cloud services satisfy many common Internet application needs. But how do customers know what they need? Loudcloud assigns a dedicated Project Engineer and a Consulting Engineer to assist each customer during platform design, test, and deployment phases. Some customers build their own applications. Others work with Loudcloud partners like Lante, Proxicom, Viant, and Zefer. These consultants and system integrators can help customers create the Internet applications that ride over Loudcloud's platform.
While deploying sites for ASPs like Catapulse, Mercury Interactive, and StatementOne.com, Loudcloud saw a common thread emerge. Many ASPs require further application services like billing, configuration management, customer monitoring, and log management. Loudcloud has announced that it will bundle these higher-level services into an "Instant ASP" package, available in 4Q00.
According to Loudcloud CEO Horowitz, "For companies to flourish on the Internet, the process of adding new services and global growth needs to be dramatically simplified." Next generation services like Instant ASP "reflect the evolution and learning from working with our customers."
A promising start
Loudcloud appears to have hit the deck running during its first year. In addition to those already mentioned, Loudcloud's ASP roster also includes BlackHog, eDeploy.com, Interelate, and MetaTV. Dot-coms and ASPs dominate the two dozen customers identified on Loudcloud's site today, joined by brick-and-mortar companies like Nike and Britannica.
Testimonials echo a common theme that make it clear why these customers have signed with Loudcloud. "For Work.com to have the trust of its customers, it has to be up and running all the time—period," said Work.com CEO Don Hutchinson. "The commitment to quality that Loudcloud's service level agreement represents, and the fact that we can leverage Loudcloud's vast technical knowledge are key reasons Work.com chose Loudcloud."
Satisfied early adopters stand as evidence that Loudcloud has been able to meet expectations thus far. But remember that Loudcloud is a very well-funded start-up. Pouring considerable expertise and resources into a high-quality infrastructure has gotten Loudcloud off to a promising start. Time will tell whether Loudcloud can sustain this momentum over the long haul.
http://www.isp-planet.com/technology/loudcloud1.html
Pedigreed staff, best-of-breed platforms
For ASPs, establishing a robust on-line presence is not a sideline—it is the foundation on which the entire business rests. Choosing an ASP infrastructure provider is a huge decision with tremendous consequences. So, why trust a third party like Loudcloud?
Start with Loudcloud's impeccable pedigree. Founded by top talent from Netscape and AOL, Loudcloud is lead by Chairman Marc Andreesen and CEO Ben Horowitz. Board members include Intuit Chairman Bill Campbell and former Disney President Michael Ovitz. With deep-pocket equity funding by Benchmark Capital and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Loudcloud hired nearly 400 staffers with "deep expertise", including those responsible for high-volume sites like InfoSeek and Netscape. Its research group alone is said to possess 100 years of collective industry experience.
Expert staff is critically important, but an infrastructure is ultimately the sum of its parts. Loudcloud assembles best-of-breed platforms by leveraging strategic alliances with Akamai, EMC, Exodus, GlobalCenter, HP, iPlanet, Microsoft, Network Appliance, Sun, and others. For example, the platform Loudcloud created for SkillsVillage.com is based on three redundant pairs of Sun 4xx servers. These web, application, and database servers run Netscape Enterprise Server, Netscape Application Server, and Oracle8i, respectively. This site is hosted at GlobalCenter for robust network connectivity, front-ended by Cisco PIX firewalls and Alteon load balancers.
Loudcloud supports a variety of platforms, as required to meet diverse customer needs. During its first year of operation, Loudcloud evaluated the performance, stability, security, and interoperability of nearly 200 infrastructure technologies. "[Our] mission is to constantly evaluate advancements across the stack of networks, systems, and applications with an eye towards helping build out Loudcloud's environment," said Loudcloud VP David Posey. "This helps a customer more quickly build its custom application that runs on top of Loudcloud's software infrastructure services."
Tiered infrastructure
Loudcloud is a soup-to-nuts infrastructure provider. They supply the floorspace, high-availability hardware and software, and load-balanced network facilities, all backed by a 100% scheduled uptime guarantee. Loudcloud's operational environment includes 24x7 multi-level monitoring, storage management, and network and host security.
Managing a complex infrastructure can be incredibly resource-intensive. Even when this burden is outsourced, it can be tough to add services and capacity quickly. Loudcloud addresses this challenge with OpsWare, a proprietary technology that automates capacity management, configuration, provisioning, and versioning. Customers can also monitor and tune their own sites through my.Loudcloud, a self-service management interface. Loudcloud provides capacity on demand; each customer's monthly fee is based on usage.
Smart Cloud services
These core technologies support a suite of "Smart Cloud" services, assembled to meet each customer's needs. Start with Web Cloud and/or Application Server Cloud. These services provide a ready foundation for Internet business applications that operate in Linux, Solaris, or Windows NT/2000 AS environments. Web Cloud supports Apache, Microsoft IIS, and iPlanet Enterprise servers. Application Cloud alternatives include Allaire JRUN, ATG Dynamo, BEA WebLogic, Microsoft COM+, Netscape Application Server, and Vignette Story Server. Need another web or application server? Loudcloud claims to support nearly any application architecture, including custom systems.
Sites that require back-end systems integration can add Database Cloud: managed, high-availability database solutions based on Oracle8i or Microsoft SQL Server. Those that need inbound/outbound messaging or an open information repository can subscribe to Mail Cloud or Directory Cloud. All of these services are architected to avoid single-point-of-failure, and are accompanied by storage and backup management. Loudcloud lets you deploy applications that require these services without having to worry about platform design or administration.
Facilitating growth
For global load balancing and disaster recovery through rapid site redeployment, add GlobalConnect. To further increase delivery speed, add Content Distribution Cloud, a service that pushes content to the network edge using Akamai FreeFlow. Using Loudcloud's a la carte approach, a dot-com or ASP can deploy a basic site at first, then add premium services as the business grows. Because Loudcloud's infrastructure is designed for scalability from the get-go, capacity can be added quickly, with minimal fuss.
Making the most of this platform requires careful deployment, on-going monitoring, and quality control. Staging Cloud permits site verification with a small-scale replica before production deployment, complemented by integrity testing and rollback. Stress Cloud uses Mercury Interactive's LoadRunner to simulate as many as 100K concurrent users. Transaction Monitoring Cloud uses Mercury Interactive's Topaz to continuously measure, alert, and report on site performance, as perceived by end users.
Smart Cloud is intended to help customers to move quickly to market. Indeed, the SkillsVillage.com site was deployed in just three weeks. "By not having to figure out all the pieces that make up the infrastructure of their eBusiness, Loudcloud customers have the time and resources to focus on developing new features that will generate revenue or differentiate their business from the competition," said CEO Horowitz.
Instant ASP
Loudcloud's core platforms and Smart Cloud services satisfy many common Internet application needs. But how do customers know what they need? Loudcloud assigns a dedicated Project Engineer and a Consulting Engineer to assist each customer during platform design, test, and deployment phases. Some customers build their own applications. Others work with Loudcloud partners like Lante, Proxicom, Viant, and Zefer. These consultants and system integrators can help customers create the Internet applications that ride over Loudcloud's platform.
While deploying sites for ASPs like Catapulse, Mercury Interactive, and StatementOne.com, Loudcloud saw a common thread emerge. Many ASPs require further application services like billing, configuration management, customer monitoring, and log management. Loudcloud has announced that it will bundle these higher-level services into an "Instant ASP" package, available in 4Q00.
According to Loudcloud CEO Horowitz, "For companies to flourish on the Internet, the process of adding new services and global growth needs to be dramatically simplified." Next generation services like Instant ASP "reflect the evolution and learning from working with our customers."
A promising start
Loudcloud appears to have hit the deck running during its first year. In addition to those already mentioned, Loudcloud's ASP roster also includes BlackHog, eDeploy.com, Interelate, and MetaTV. Dot-coms and ASPs dominate the two dozen customers identified on Loudcloud's site today, joined by brick-and-mortar companies like Nike and Britannica.
Testimonials echo a common theme that make it clear why these customers have signed with Loudcloud. "For Work.com to have the trust of its customers, it has to be up and running all the time—period," said Work.com CEO Don Hutchinson. "The commitment to quality that Loudcloud's service level agreement represents, and the fact that we can leverage Loudcloud's vast technical knowledge are key reasons Work.com chose Loudcloud."
Satisfied early adopters stand as evidence that Loudcloud has been able to meet expectations thus far. But remember that Loudcloud is a very well-funded start-up. Pouring considerable expertise and resources into a high-quality infrastructure has gotten Loudcloud off to a promising start. Time will tell whether Loudcloud can sustain this momentum over the long haul.
http://www.isp-planet.com/technology/loudcloud1.html
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