Introduction

MV Communications

Providing Internet connectivity to the residents and businesses of New Hampshire.

1-800-MVC-NETS

http://www.mv.net

(jbd@nospam)

Potholes and Rough Roads

• Perceptions - the Internet is not static. Be prepared for things to change. Use it to your advantage!

• Customers use browsers with different capabilities.

• High volume requires more financial and technological commitment.

• The technology is changing.

Perceptions

• Storefront
• Newspaper Ads
• TV/Radio Ads
• Magazine Ads

Perceptions

• Prepare to update your page(s) with

  Pricing, Schedules, Specials, Staff Changes

  Arrange with your service provider and/or Webmaster.

• Graphics:

  Nice, but slow. Must be optimized for speed.

  Animation requires special browsers.

  Web readers are always in a hurry - they don't like to wait for pages to download.

• Audio:

  Nice, but not all browsers have the capability.

  No widely accepted standard.

Browsers

All:

Can follow links and display text.

Most:

Can display graphics, tables.

Some:

Can do audio, animation.

Prepare your ``page'' for the browser class you want your customers to have. Provide textual references for all links - don't rely on graphics exclusively.

High Volume

1. Start small and grow. Get advice from someone who has done it before.
2. Graphic ‐ intensive pages will require higher bandwidth.
3. More bandwidth = More $$

Your own server.

1. If you have frequent updates.
2. Justified if you have high-interest pages, direct access to internal databases, or an interest in running your own server.
3. Allow for more controlled growth.
4. Require a certain amount and type of expertise.

Your Own Server

You'll need:

• Computer (> 386)
• Server and Networking Software
• 24 hour Internet connection
• Good site (24 hour HVAC, power, physical access)
• HTML and Internetworking skills

Common Problems

• Networking
  • Telco
  • Routers/Bridges
• Tracking Technology
  • Stick with a version that works. Don't move until you have to.
  • Join a User's Group with similar interests
  • Wait for the ``flash'' to die down.