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Here is a graphic representation of how virtual hosting works:

Your web site and e-mail are stored remotely on a computer called a server that is connected to the Internet. You can get your e-mail and customers can send you e-mail through these various connections to the Internet. You can put things on your web site and customers can interact with your web site through these connections.

You may wonder why there are so many connections. You may ask why can't I have my own e-mail server at my company connected directly to the Internet? The answer is cost. It is very expensive to have and maintain multiple server connections to the Internet. The cost of the connection alone represents a huge cost investment, not to mention hardware, software and labor costs to maintain high speed server connections. Some company's do go this route but they are very large corporations with entire divisions or departments devoted to the technical end of their Internet presence.

It is far more efficient and economical for most companies to host their web sites and e-mail remotely with companies that have the infrastructure to provide you with the service you need at a reasonable cost. This is what Cherry Media can do for you.

Here is a synopsis of how the hosting connections work:

Your business or organization connects to the Internet using modem that connects to an Internet access company (examples: America Online, Concentric, Earthlink, CompuServe, WorldNet, Surfree etc.)

The Internet access company, in turn, connects to the whole Internet; Cherry media remote servers reside on the Internet, so the access company connects to your site, or your e-mail boxes that are on our severs through their connection to the Internet

Cherry Media does not directly provide Internet access but will refer you to an access provider that can meet your needs. We have strategic partnerships with various access providers to offer you low cost high quality Internet access. We will, however, help you get connected if you do not already have an Internet access.

Your access provider will usually provide you with some minimal e-mail and hosting services. The e-mail associated with the access company is usually YourEmailName@earthlink.net or something similar. The hosting is usually a small allocation of server disk space to store some personal home pages.

Cherry Media e-mail is associated with your domain (i.e. YourName@YourCompany.com). Our hosting packages are designed for the needs of organizations and businesses that need larger disk space allocations and functionality.

The customer, can now access your web site or send you mail the same way. Their computer connects to the Internet through a modem that connects to an Internet access company. This company, in turn, connects you to the Internet where the Cherry Media Servers reside. Your customers can now interact with your web site and send you e-mail.

This is a very brief description of how virtual hosting works. If you would like a more detailed description or if you have any questions e-mail us at support@cherrymedia.com or call us at 603-672-9494.

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