For More Information, Please Contact:
Jason Baer
Director of Marketing
Internet Direct, Inc.
Phone #: +1 (602) 222-2888
E-Mail: bilfish@beer.com
INTERNET DIRECT ANNOUNCES
GOSITE SERVER PACKAGE
Features include: New Look, New Services, Improved Support
The original I-Site server offered a combination of hardware server functionality and high-end Internet server software for the World Wide Web, E-mail and FTP to businesses at about 10% the traditional cost. Prior to the introduction of the I-Site server packages, businesses have only been able to establish a substantial presence on the Internet via complex, dedicated Internet connectivity and expensive hardware.
The new GoSite Server package, which replaces the I-Site server, includes, as did the original, a Web server, E-mail Server and FTP server. The GoSite also offers additional features including improved on-line documentation, a new manual, additional software and software upgrades and optional FTP Drop Boxes, according to Internet Direct's Business Manager, Bill Fisher.
"We've been pleased with the reaction from our I-Site customers," Fisher said. "But we've always been interested in pushing the envelope further. Internet Direct is now announcing its 'second wave' of internet services. We've been working day and night to retool and improve the I-Site product, taking into account feedback from our customers as well as the contributions of our crack R&D staff. The new name and logo represent our commitment to change; with the GoSite Server your site can really go."
The GoGadget Internet Site Administrator, a point-and-click style interface available for Windows and Macintosh, now makes owning and updating GoSites easier than ever, according to Fisher. "We've also integrated Web-building tools and other networking software on the CD," he says, referring to the new GoSite CD-ROM which comes standard with every GoSite. "And the new manuals just came in from the publisher. They look great. We've got the most comprehensive support system in the industry."
Every GoSite includes free 24 hour support on Internet Direct's 1-800 line. "We're open 365 days a year" Fisher added. " And we've given our support Web pages a complete overhaul. The support pages are a great source for the latest information. We also have an e-mail Listserv with some great discussion on using the GoSites to their maximum potential. We've seen some very creative applications of our technology." Fisher cites as an example a local delivery company, Dash n' Dine, who use their web pages to take down customer orders which are instantly faxed to their offices for processing. "Everyone's got their own way of using the web," he says.
All current customers of I-Sites are automatically being updated to the new service at no additional charge. "If our customers had gone the old route of setting up their own internet servers, not only would they still be paying through the nose but they'd already be a generation behind. That's just another advantage to having us take care of all the networking," Fisher said.
Additional improvements to the GoSite server include SSL encryption for secure home pages. "Customers can now comfortably use credit cards to order products from our clients." said Fisher. SSL is a security standard supported by Netscape and other World Wide Web browsers. "SSL secure home pages was originally conceived as an add-on feature to the base package," Fisher says, "but when we saw the overwhelming interest it generated we decided to throw it in free of charge."
Also added was the option of adding personalized drop boxes to the FTP server. "This is something we beta tested with the I-Sites and now it's been fully incorporated into the new GoSite version of EZ-Admin which has been renamed 'The GoGadget Administrator'" Fisher noted. "Setting up a personalized FTP drop box is as easy as setting up new mail accounts has always been. Just add a password to the mail account through the simple point and click interface, select 'Upload Changes' and it's done."
Interest in the GoSite package has been met with substantial acclaim, both nationally and internationally. "Sales so far have been tremendous," says Fisher, "Our toughest obstacle is convincing new customers that this is for real. They just can't believe the price."
Individual GoSite servers are priced from US$189.95/mo. which includes the world wide web server, fifty e-mail accounts on their own electric post office suite, and an anonymous FTP server.
"We've blown apart the notion that having a business Internet presence means shelling out big bucks. Time, frustration, and money are all saved for our clients because we run the network here at our headquarters," said Mike March, president of Internet Direct.
When asked about the typical client, March responds, "Our customers range in size from a small mail order brownie company here in town to giants like PCS Health Systems. Everyone-- no matter how large or small-- wants to save money." For those curious about seeing GoSite in action, March recommends the official index of GoSite home pages which is available on the World Wide Web at http://gosite.com.
Additional information on Internet Direct and the GoSite Internet Server is available on the Internet at http://www.direct.net, by sending e-mail to info@direct.net or by calling +1 (602) 222-2888 (world-wide).