While it is possible to maintain a Website in a common office setting, most site owners opt for a different approach, the use of an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP provides disk space on a "server" sufficient to hold a Website, 24-hour advanced phone access, e-mail accounts, the use of hosting software, consultation, and related services.

What separates ISPs are not generic items such as computers, modems, and software packages, but rather a complex world of phone lines and problem-solving.

The Internet is dependent on the phone system, so it is important for an ISP to have high-speed, high-volume phone lines as well as the equipment and software to maximize operations. A good ISP strategy (and thus a good strategy for ISP clients) is to be as physically close as possible to a major phone facility -- this tends to cut costs and reduce the potential for technical glitches.

Websites are forever in flux and changes raise server questions. For instance, you may want to add an online membership form -- the user fills in some blanks, presses a button, and instantly applies for membership. But what script does the form require? A Java script will not work on all browsers, while a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) script may require tinkering on the server to work properly. At such moments, having an articulate, patient ISP is a benefit not be ignored.

Here are some questions when choosing an ISP:

What is your monthly fee?

How much server space do I get?

How many e-mail accounts are included?

How much tech support time is built into the monthly fee?

Does tech support time accumulate?

What is your ratio of modems to users?

What is the cost of an additional e-mail address?

What is the cost to register my URL?

Am I the sole URL owner?

Does all content and data I place on the site belong to me?

Will you register the site with leading search engines?

Can you provide on-site staff training?

Can you provide a home page counter?

How many site visits per month can you accommodate for the price quoted?

What do you charge per hour for consultation?

Can you create an online database? Search feature? Forms? Public and private areas? Passwords?

Etc.