The DSL Decision

Over the past few years, business owners have been trying to get more from their current Internet service. Many small business owners want faster dial-ups, faster downloads and the ability to carry multiple connections on one line. Therefore, switching to a different type of service could be their solution.

One new Internet technology is called DSL. DSL (digital subscriber line) is a service that offers faster Internet connection than a standard dial-up connection. DSL technology uses existing two-wire copper telephone wiring to deliver high-speed information — voice and data — to homes and businesses.

“DSL is faster, has a constant and continuous connection, is typically easier to set up and has lower long-term maintenance costs of set up,” says Dave Monahan, owner of Smart Dolphins Information Technology Solutions, an IT services company located in Victoria, British Columbia.

How It Works
DSL uses the existing phone line and in most cases does not require installation of additional phone lines. This allows for “always-on” Internet access and does not tie up the phone line. DSL offers users a choice of speeds ranging from 144 Kbps (kilo bits per second) to 1.5 Mbps (mega bits per second). This is 2.5 to 25 times faster than a standard 56 Kbps dial-up modem.

DSL technology is replacing standard dial-up service, cable and/or T1 lines, according to Monahan. And this new digital service can be used to deliver bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming audio/video, video conferencing and other high-bandwidth services — all functions that help distributors stay connected to their customers.

Distinct Types
There are approximately eight forms of DSL service, including ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line). ADSL is the form that will probably be used most in homes and small businesses. ADSL is called “asymmetric” because most of its two-way bandwidth is devoted to sending data to the user. This means telephone lines will be able to bring motion video, audio and 3-D images to the user’s computer. Meanwhile, the user can hold phone conversations at the same time without a separate line.

Unlike a similar service over cable TV lines, ADSL doesn’t have to compete with neighbors in the area for bandwidth. And, in many cases the existing telephone lines will work with ADSL.

The Need for Speed
The maximum DSL speed will depend on such factors as the distance between the customer site and the central office (CO) and the condition of the line. Most providers offer data service at speeds that vary from 144 Kbps to 1.54 Mbps. Some are even faster and are up to 6.0 Mbps — so customers can choose the rate that meets their specific needs.
At the customer’s premises, a DSL router or modem connects the DSL line to a local-area network (LAN) or an individual computer. Once installed, the DSL router provides the customer site with continuous connection to the Internet and allows the simultaneous use of the telephone without the purchase of an additional line.

One downfall to DSL technology is that installation can be a lengthy process. One provider noted that it can be two to six weeks before DSL service can be up and running. Some customers have experienced an even longer start-up time.

“It was a long process — about seven months from beginning to end,” says Richard T. Friedman, president of The RTF Group Inc., Lake Bluff, Ill., a major industry sales and marketing organization representing major manufacturers from within the maintenance, janitorial and sanitary supply industry. But once installation is complete, jan/san professionals like Friedman are reaping the rewards of this new technology.

There is no comparison when it comes to the speed between the RTF Group’s current service and its previous dial-up, Friedman says. “There is truly a difference of night and day,” he says. However, speed was not the only consideration that influenced his decision to switch service. “The biggest factor is the convenience of being online all the time for immediate response and action,” he says.

Internet technology experts agree. Speed at an affordable price is the biggest benefit that DSL technology offers small business owners, Monahan says.

Coming to a Town Near You
DSL service is currently offered in many U.S. cities (as well as in many Canadian and European cities). Coverage areas include locations such as Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City, St. Louis, Memphis, Tenn., Seattle, Portland, Ore., and other major cities. However, most providers plan to bring DSL outlets to many more cities very soon.

The RTF Group’s current provider has COs located in about eight greater metropolitan cities in Michigan. Installation rates were “competitive” with other providers and so far it has provided The RTF Group with excellent service, according to Friedman.

Keep in mind that sometimes the farther away the CO, the higher the set-up costs and fees. The best advice is to check with your current telephone company or Internet provider to see if service is available in your area. If it’s not, ask when service can be expected.

Let’s Talk Green
Cost varies depending on providers and on services required and requested. Factors that determine cost include customer location, the speed wanted and the number of accounts. If an additional line is needed the price can go up.

The RTF Group has its DSL service linked to nine different computers: five in the office and four outside the office. Although charges are higher now than before, the investment is definitely worth the return, says Friedman.

Estimated costs can be computed as follows: Installation is about $200, activation is in the neighborhood of $50 and monthly charges can range from $40 (single computer) to $80 (multiple computers). Of course, these charges vary depending on the aforementioned factors. DSL providers insist that these prices are a more cost-effective option than dial-up services that often require additional phone lines.

Pros and Cons: A Toss Up?
The RTF Group is definitely an advocate of DSL technology. Its new Internet service has made communication much more efficient and easier for the company, Friedman contends. “From our perspective, response is the name of the game and now we can communicate in a matter of minutes,” he says.

An “always-on” service is a big benefit of DSL service. “On-going communication is absolutely the key to our business,” says Friedman. “The ability to communicate in a timely fashion is the number one advantage for us.”

Besides communication, increased productivity ranks along with the foremost benefits of the service. The service’s speed has enabled The RTF Group to increase its efficiency tremendously, Friedman notes.

The pros and cons should be compared to see if one outweighs the other before making a purchase.

“I have to pause to think of something negative,” says Friedman. “I can’t think of anything at this stage.” The RTF Group has had DSL service for about three months.

“Prior to hook-up, our key concern was the consistency and lack of continuity on the providers’ part,” he explains. So far those concerns had been alleviated — no such problems currently exist.

Benefits will vary for each business, so each individual business owner needs to compare the anticipated benefits with the estimated costs, says Monahan.

Researching your options before deciding to switch to DSL technology is good advice for business owners to follow. However, many times owners make false assumptions about what they think DSL can provide. “In my experience, owners expect 100 percent ‘up time’ and this is unrealistic,” says Monahan.

If a business is unhappy with its current service, it should look into other available options. Sometimes upgrading your current service may be a plausible solution; other times it may not be an option at all. However, the most cost-effective solution may be to switch to DSL Internet service. “If the business absolutely needs a reliable connection they will need to use a more reliable service,” he concludes.

EPA’s Website
Tracks Chemical Testing
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a table that lists 154 chemicals and mixtures that is designed to help the chemical industry and the public track the status of test rules and related actions.

The table lists whether requirements to submit information about a chemical or mixture are still in effect, have been revoked or were terminated.

Each of these substances has been the subject of final test rules and/or enforceable consent issued by EPA under section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act.

New Online Training Available
The Training Center, a a website created by the Bullen Companies, Folcroft, Pa., is an online training site now available for jan/san distributors.

New E-Commerce Software
Clark National Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill., recently launched its newly enhanced e-commerce software program.