Tips on choosing an ISP

The sheer number of different ISPs out there to choose from can be quite daunting, so how do you choose which one is most suited to your business?

Here are some useful tips for choosing an ISP:

• Set your targets. What sort of business are you and what do you want from your ISP? Are surfing the internet and email your only requirements or is e-commerce and a full operational website what you need?

• Do your research and shop around by looking at the listings in internet magazines or by contacting the providers directly and asking

• Can you get what you want from an ISP such as the email addresses, domain name(s), quality of service levels or faster methods of connectivity such as ISDN?

• If in doubt go for a brand name which has a good reputation. Remember that free doesn't always mean what it says. Check to see if the ISP offers a free trial period so you can be certain as to what you're getting

• Tailor your needs to a cost price that suits you and your business. Does the service provide free internet access, a monthly or annual fee, a one off set up fee or other hidden costs?

• Customer service, technical support and personal attention is crucial - How much does this cost, will the ISP in question penalise you should you choose to cancel your account and what guarantees do they provide if something goes wrong?

• Choose a short term, flexible contract. Don't be locked into a deal where you are paying high rates for low usage.

• Check the cancellation provisions of your service agreement. If you're not happy make sure there is a get out clause

• If you choose to grow your operations, you will need to expand your internet requirements. If this is the case make sure your ISP is able to offer you the ability to upgrade to alternative forms of access, larger amounts of web space and a wider range of email addresses, for example.

This sector is notoriously volatile and it is not rare for ISPs to go bust. It could be serious if your ISP ceases its online operations while at the same time having taken an active role in hosting and creating your website. Your information and files maybe lost so always keep records and your files backed up just in case.