Getting started on the Internet Part 2

Choose a presence (content) provider (a server for your site). This company will put your information/advertising on the WWW services may include assistance in forming an internet marketing plan, conducting research, registering a domain name, site development (creative, copywriting, programming, links), and post sales support (marketing via search engines, newsgroups, mailing lists, direct mail, and fulfillment.)

What to look for: at least a full T1 connection. (same reasons as for access but also to handle bandwidth issues for video, audio and graphics)

Should your access provider be your presence provider? In almost every case the answer is no. To surf the web you dial up and the phone connection is open until you disconnect. A content providers' server connects to answer your request (you click on a link or enter the specific web site address-URL), downloads the information, and disconnects. Thus a vendor which does not provide access is more likely to be able to handle a high column of traffic for "information requests", reduce "waiting" times, and minimize busy signals. Regular users know these problems all too well.

How long has the company been in business? Besides a computer hardware and 24 hour manpower, T1 lines run in excess of several thousand dollars a month to operate. "Cybermalls" had over 80 'stores' yet still went out of business. Any vendor whose sole business revenue is internet related is at risk.

How flexible is the vendor? Do you need help with all aspects of your internet project now, but want to gradually move to performing all your own updates? How much of your project will be handled by local staff in-house? One vendor is critical if you want control over security and deadlines.

If you need new graphics (photography), audio clips (recording), or quicktime video (video edit suite and expertise), will you/they have to use another vendor? 13.5 million (May 1995 treese@openmarket.com) users have interactive capability. Your site will need to utilize these in the future, if not today.

Where does Power Images fit in? We are a graphic communications firm (since 1957) that became a presence provider based in part on customer requests. Our production team that was already performing tasks in every area needed for the Web and our top notch programmers made it a reality. Our company had been utilizing the information highway for years, primarily for research.

Florida's Virtual Marketplace is a showcase area for internationally known companies as well as up and comers. We will do as much or as little as you require to bring your web site to fruition in a timely manner, and are prepared to meet both immediate and future needs.

What will it cost? This is a loaded question which can only be answered with a consultation. As a minimum, a quality site will include 3-4 pages, including a response form, and pricing for development typically averages $1,200-2,000. Additional costs are monthly maintenance which can be in a variety of forms - a standard start-up is about $120-150/mth. Advertising in Florida's Virtual Marketplace begins at $500/mth. I also recommend our starter marketing package for $450 to begin the process of growing traffic to your site. More on this subject later...

Coming in future issues: what should I have on my web site...

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