Business Spotlight: Atlas Communications shoulders Web services

The Internet has changed the way a lot of companies do business, among them Atlas Communications. The 35-year-old company, long known for its cellular phone and paging services, began offering Internet access, Web development, and Web hosting services in February 1998. Now, these services account for 40 percent of the company's business, according to Steve Powell, owner and president.

"Atlas Communications offers a full line of Internet services, from 56K dial-up access to digital subscriber lines to other high-speed connections, all with 24-hour technical support, seven days a week," Powell said. "Since we began offering Internet access, several thousand customers in Springfield and Branson have signed up with us, and many of them have commented on how quick our connection is to the Internet."

Customers who use Atlas Communications as their Internet service provider can choose from a variety of plans. These plans range in price from $18.95 per month for unlimited access to $8.95 per month for 10 hours of usage.

Atlas Communications also develops and hosts Web sites for several hundred local and national business clients. During the Web development phase, a development team from Atlas Communications assesses a business owner's needs and expectations for the Web site. The team then makes a recommendation tailored to fit the business owner's needs and budget.

"We can design, build and implement your Web site from the ground up," Powell said. "We don't do cookie cutter' Web design here, we really work hard to provide business owners with a creative and professional Internet presence."

Many of the sites developed and hosted by Atlas Communications use e-commerce, which allows customers to purchase goods and services over the Internet.

One of the more creative Web sites developed and hosted by Atlas Communications is The Cucumber Sandwich at www.thecucumbersandwich.com, an online store aimed at females of all ages as well as new and expectant mothers. Other sites, such as Premier Sportscars Co. at www.premiercars.com, feature a contemporary look and an online inventory system for the company's many exotic automobiles.

"Maintaining the integrity of an e-commerce site can be expensive," Powell said. "Special computer equipment is needed, transactions must be encrypted, and skilled computer technicians must be on hand in case a problem develops. It simply isn't cost-effective for a business owner to go out and buy everything needed to host their Web site and then hire someone to maintain it."

In the last two years, Atlas Communications has seen communication technologies converge. For example, Atlas Communications now sells alphanumeric pagers that allow users to send and receive e-mail messages via the Internet.

In addition, the demand for trendy accessory items, such as colored faceplates for cellular phones and pagers, also has grown in recent years. These items are sold in Atlas Communications retail stores, which are located at 1905 S. Glenstone and 1410 E. Kearney. Both stores have opened in the past five years as a result of increased consumer demand for cellular phone and paging services.

Prior to opening the retail stores, Atlas Communications did business in the same location as its sister company, Atlas Security. Powell's father-in-law, Marvin Britton, founded Atlas Security in 1962 and Atlas Communications in 1965.

Powell joined Atlas Communications in 1974. He and his wife, Patsy Powell, bought the business in 1992.

Atlas Communications employs 30 people, 12 of whom have been added in the past two years. Most of these new employees work in the ISP and Web development division.

Although Atlas Communications has grown, Powell and his staff have worked hard to achieve these gains. A number of new competitors have entered the market in recent years. In addition to these local firms, Atlas Communications also competes against national communications giants, such as AT&T.

"We have an outstanding reputation and excellent name recognition here in the community," Powell said. "But our greatest strength is our employees. If you have a problem with your service or your equipment, we'll fix it. You won't have to go through a voice menu to get service, or talk to some technician three states away. With us, you get fast, personal service."

In the future, Powell believes Atlas Communications' ISP and Web development division will continue to grow. To help spur growth, Powell is considering expanding the company's ISP service area. He also is considering adding wireless, high-speed Internet access.