An Internet service provider (ISP, also called Internet access provider or IAP) is a company which primarily offers their customers access to the Internet using dial-up or other means of data telecommunication.
ISPs may provide Internet e-mail accounts to users which allow them to communicate with one another by sending and receiving electronic messages through their ISPs' servers. ISPs may provide other services such as remotely storing data files on behalf of their customers, as well as other services unique to each particular ISP.
The most important services an ISP offers are:
• Internet access. Access any Web site, send instant messages to your friends, play online games, or use any other Internet service.
• E-mail.You can access your e-mail with Microsoft Outlook Express or your Web browser. Most ISPs offer multiple e-mail addresses, so everyone in your family can have an account. ISPs typically provide spam filtering that reduces, but does not eliminate, unwanted messages.
Factors to be considered when choosing an ISP
Bandwidth
Internet bandwidth (the speed at which your computer can send and receive information) is measured in either Kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second
Reliability and Customer Service.
ISP reliability has increased significantly in recent years; however, it is still not as reliable as your phone or television service. There is no objective way to measure reliability and customer service, so you should talk to your neighbors about their experiences and search the Web for reviews of ISPs in your area.
Technical Strength
Of major concern to you must be whether the ISP has the technical capabilities to meet your present and future Internet requirements. The ISP itself has to tell you what its technical strength is like, i.e. in terms of personnel and equipment. In view of the number of “cowboys” claiming to be ISPs, such information provided by the ISP should be verified. Always ask technical questions, no matter how awkward. Is onsite support available? What is their response time to issues like? Is emergency support available? What are the limits, if any, on disk storage, e-mail or other Internet traffic?
Busy Signals.
Busy signals are an indication of performance problems that affect Internet usage. What is the ISP’s policy on busy signals? How busy are their modems? When are the peak usage hours? How will the ISP protect you from busy signals? Failure to demand for truthful answers can eventually turn out to be costly in terms of time, funds and opportunities.
Professionalism:
The professionalism of the prospective ISP is equally important. How professional is the outfit’s customer service? Are they the sort who promise heaven but deliver hell? You have to be careful not to be taken in by sugar coated stories, or window dressed adverts. Always separate the hype from the real facts on the ground. Are staffs courteous, trained and professional? Remember you’re the customer. How are you treated when contacting the ISP? Was your call or request treated in a professional and timely manner? Or are you given the impression when you make enquiries that you are “disturbing, or asking too many questions”?
Total Internet Solutions
Additionally, assess the ISP’s attitude to Total Internet Solutions (TIS). Any truly professional ISP should be able to provide TIS, not just an Internet connection. Can the ISP fulfill all your needs? Can it provide services such as Domain Name Services, Onsite installation and maintenance, Web services, Internet security services, and Network Consulting? It is important that you identify and choose an ISP who is focused on solutions - TIS. Providing an Internet connection is not enough.
Cost
The cost of the Internet service is of course important. But it must be stressed again that cost should not be the sole determining factor in choosing an ISP. Some ISPs might offer very cheap rates, as a way of attracting customers, while the quality of their service is very poor. In such a situation, you find that your Internet service is actually very expensive as the only Internet services you’re paying for are excuses and busy signals.
Charges/ Payment Methods
In addition, how does the ISP charge for its services? Are charges based on flat rate access (which requires you to pay a fixed amount for a given period, independent of usage), or usage access – “pay-as-you-go”. The charge / payment method used by the ISP must be one you are comfortable with, and must make financial sense to you. You must have a focus on how you want to use the Internet. Furthermore, are there any hidden or extra charges?
Track Record
Another crucial factor is the track record. What is the track record of the ISP? This could be track record of the ISP itself, as well as the track record of key professionals in the organization. With regard to the track record of the ISP, the ISP should be able identify successful working sites as evidence of past and current performance. The previous performance of the key professionals is important, especially if it is a new ISP, with a few clients. To really assess the track record of the ISP, it is important that as a prospective client of the ISP, you meet with some clients of the ISP independently and ask for
The future
What is an ISP’s plan for the future? This is important since the Internet is a medium for the future, and in view of the rapidity of developments on the Internet. Does the ISP have an idea of how it will offer quality services in future, not just today? Anything as dynamic as the Internet changes daily. Does it have any future plans, or it is just going along for the ride? What are the ISP’s growth plans? If such plans exist are they realistic? Simply put, the ISP must have a vision of the future. The ISP’s vision of the future depends to a large extent on its understanding of the future.
There is no room for compromise. Go for an ISP that understands the future - of Internet. By doing this one is securing a fruitful, long-lasting and problem-free Internet experience. The ISP’s vision of the future influences its internal training programme. A lot can be detected by observing its attitude towards training. Does the ISP invest in training? And if it does, is it practical, result-oriented, and in line with its vision for the future? Or is it simply to give the “techies” a break?
0 Comments