Choose Internet service options that best fit your business

A Web site address (called a URL) has been referred to as a business's phone number for the new millennium. One of the primary reasons is e-mail.

Exchanging business e-mail is now as common as making a phone call to get things done. Many businesses use Inter-net access for competitive and industry research, while others have extended their marketplace to a much broader geo-graphy than ever before. The following tips are designed to help you select the Internet service provider that best fits your business.

Assessing needs

Any provider offering Internet services should be willing to come to your office and sit down with you. The providers worth taking seriously are the ones who take the time to sit down face-to-face and focus on how their products may meet your business needs. This review may include a look at all your communication services including your current local, long-distance, toll-free, calling-card, In-ternet-access, and Web-hosting services.

Some providers may be able to offer savings on your voice (local and long distance) telecommunications services by also offering you Internet and data telecommunications services. From a technology perspective, inquire as to the redundancy provisions available for your business-critical communication services so you know what risk you face in the event of a service outage. Many businesses find it better to have voice and data on separate circuits to minimize the risk of interruption.

Access types

As you may know, Internet access speed is measured in kilobits (thousands of pieces of data) or megabits (millions of pieces of data) per second. Kilobit speeds are often abbreviated K or Kbps; megabit speeds are often abbreviated M or Mbps. The higher the number, the faster the Internet speed.

If your business currently uses the Internet only for infrequent e-mail or occasional research and downloading, adding a dial-up Internet access account to your current local and long distance services may be the best option.

If you are now paying for multiple dial-up Internet access accounts in your office, dedicated Internet access may offer a more cost-effective connection. Instead of shuffling seats to computers with access, waiting for downloads and redialing for disconnects, dedicated Internet access provides a continuous connection for your entire staff.

If you currently use or are considering dedicated Internet access, be sure to ask a potential provider for the committed information rate they are able to provide. CIR is the rate your Internet access will be at most times.

Online business

Many small business owners are intimidated by the thought of creating and maintaining a Web site. If your business has yet to get online with a Web site, basic site development tools and Web hosting products make it easier than ever to get your business online. With these easy-to-follow online tools, many small- to medium-sized businesses have expanded their market reach from the Springfield area to the entire world. Businesses can create their own Web pages using templates and update them on a daily basis if desired. Larger businesses needing advanced e-commerce Web site capabilities may want to consider the services of a professional Web design firm.

Web hosting

If you already have your Web site up and running, you know Web hosting services are critical to ensuring your site is always available as you develop your online business. Quality Web hosting services should place your Web site files on a high quality network that offers continuous monitoring.

Ask the provider what kind of support will be available after the sale. Will there be 247 customer service? Will there be a local contact for service after the sale?

What discounts are available by combining voice and data services with one company? How will this combination make things easier for your business?

What is the history of the company? How long have they been in the Springfield area? What kind of presence do they have nationwide?

Ask yourself: How comfortable am I with the provider representatives I am dealing with? How willing have they been to answer my questions and take the time to explain things to me?

Technological developments like the Internet have changed the face of business communications. However, the changes don't have to be as complex as they might seem. By focusing on the simple communications principles and factors outlined here in selecting a service provider, your business's Web site and branded e-mail will become your phone number for the next millennium.

(Steve Smith is regional manager for McLeodUSA in Springfield.)