How to Build an Internet Service Company 2nd Edition

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but not enough...
Review: I believe this book is aimed for small, start-up ISPs. I think it does not cover with enough detail some very important topics like subscriber management systems, billing strategies, customer care strategies, etc. These are the key elements to be taken into account when a system grows.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but not enough...
Review: I must disagree with the other review on this book. Unix is treated as a very viable option in the book. It even goes so far as to pick Apache as the web server of choice for Unix platforms and also explores the popularity of LINUX and BSD. However, the author didn't use Unix to build his own ISP and thus that operating system isn't spotlighted as much as the other solutions suggested. This book is an excellent overall review of the technical aspects of running an Internet company. It starts with by addressing the broader topics of the Internet business and progresses on to a very thorough discussion of the intricate business details of the Internet industry. It truly is an insider's guide to creating your own ISP. Additionally, Burke has a candid, down-to-earth -- even a humorous writing style about a subject that most authors usually manage to dull down to the excitement level of VCR instructions. As the Internet starts to affect all our lives in new ways virtually every day, it's great to learn how it's all put together from an author who puts it in very human terms.

Rating:
Summary: A down-to-earth, insightful and instructive book
Review: I must disagree with the other review on this book. Unix is treated as a very viable option in the book. It even goes so far as to pick Apache as the web server of choice for Unix platforms and also explores the popularity of LINUX and BSD. However, the author didn't use Unix to build his own ISP and thus that operating system isn't spotlighted as much as the other solutions suggested. This book is an excellent overall review of the technical aspects of running an Internet company. It starts with by addressing the broader topics of the Internet business and progresses on to a very thorough discussion of the intricate business details of the Internet industry. It truly is an insider's guide to creating your own ISP. Additionally, Burke has a candid, down-to-earth -- even a humorous writing style about a subject that most authors usually manage to dull down to the excitement level of VCR instructions. As the Internet starts to affect all our lives in new ways virtually every day, it's great to learn how it's all put together from an author who puts it in very human terms.

Rating:
Summary: Pro-WinNT, glosses over Linux/Apache, no real hardware info
Review: The author must be a Microsoft salesperson. The entire work is based on a WinNT server. Linux and the Apache server software are glossed over. The Microsoft NT package to only *try* to rival Linux/Apache will only set you back $4,000+ from the great god @Redmond. My copy of this title will be shelved... I am sorry I read the reviews and purchased this title. I wanted information, not a sales job.

Rating:
Summary: A solid business focused book w/a technical overview
Review: We're starting our own ISP in Ohio and looked everywhere for just such a book. Upon receiving it I was delighted with the easy conversational tone and clear analogies on topics that heretofore had escaped me. The technical details are presented in an overview fashion and the nuts and bolts of the business side (my area of expertise) is thorough. I've now read it cover to cover twice and found it very full of details and tips that I had not considered. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone entering the ISP business. It is also required reading for our new sales staff. - B.D.