| The virtual ISP (sometimes abbreviated as VISP or vISP) is a company that
provides Internet services by using equipment and facilities belonging to a real
ISP. For example, let’s assume that Company X is an online retailer that wants
to expand its business to include ISP services for customers. The only problem
is that Company X is merely a retailer and doesn’t have the resources to
branch out into the ISP business. Thus, it hires Company Y, an existing ISP, to
handle the additional services. Company Y creates a branded ISP for Company X so
that it appears as though the ISP services are actually provided by Company X.
But, in reality, Company Y, who remains invisible to the customers, provides all
the services and lets Company X act as a virtual ISP.
Naturally, virtual ISPs offer the same services as the real ISP but use their
own company or brand name. In addition to providing the customary e-mail, Web
hosting, newsgroup access, domain name provision, and support services, the ISP
offering the virtual ISP setup may also handle billing and answer technical
support phone calls under the virtual ISP’s name. The advantage of this
arrangement for the virtual ISP is that they do not need to invest in expensive
network facilities, back-office infrastructures, and technical support
resources. They can simply bring their new service to market quickly under their
own brand name and make the entire process cost-effective, as well. |
