LightBound News

Finding an Internet Service Provider (ISP), or more importantly the right ISP for your business can be challenging. With all the choices, companies, and important key features to look for, you could end up choosing a provider that isn't necessarily right for your business. You don't have to be a tech guru, but it is important to be educated and to be exposed to the different options and crucial elements involved in selecting an ISP.

Below are several tips to include within your search for the perfect ISP for your business.

•  Know what you're really buying. Generally, a low priced ISP will result in a low quality service. While a strong network infrastructure is important, it is equally as important to have great support. 
• Look for the best coverage area. Most ISP's can offer T1 or higher service anywhere within the U.S. at a reasonable cost. However, an ISP that matches up well with your company footprint can save you thousands of telecom WAN costs.
• Ask about the Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC should be staffed by networking personnel who proactively monitor your connection 24/7 for 365 day of the year, as well as work directly with the telecommunications vendors in case of an outage to personally troubleshoot any problems immediately.  
• Check the peering agreements. It's important to look for an ISP who has agreements with more than one upstream provider, as those with only one are at risk of losing all connectivity-should their upstream provider have a Point of Presence (POP) problem.
• Verify utilization of a SAS 70 Type II certified data center. It's critical to your business that the ISP houses their equipment in a facility that is protected from high winds, power failures, fires, etc., as well as perfoms documented processes and procedures that are audited annually. 
• Ensure there is adequate upstream bandwidth. You need an ISP with enough bandwidth to support your needs. Therefore, look for a provider with at least an OC-3 level connections to guarantee adequte service.
• Check for multiple points of entry. Look for an ISP that delivers circuits over a self-healing SONET network with dual entrances. Without this, your business could be at risk of unwanted downtime. 

By understanding a few key features to look for (like the suggestions above), you can feel more knowledable and less stressed when choosing an ISP for your business. To learn more specifics regarding LightBound's Internet services, click here.