GOLD Ink Newsletter #1

December 1, 1995

We are writing to make you aware of important recent developments in Internet access on the Gulfcoast.

There are several undeniable facts concerning the Internet. The first is its explosive growth shows no signs of abating. Another is the price of Internet Access will continue to drop as competition heats up between local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), National Providers and perhaps even your Long Distance Carrier and your Cable TV Company. All of these businesses are going to be competing for an ever-increasing but limited market of consumers and computer professionals who desire affordable Internet access and/or presence. So this is good news, right? You bet. Affordable un-measured Internet Access will shortly become the standard, rather than the exception, in Internet access. Here are some items to consider when deciding among your ever increasing choices.

PRICE

Datastar of Picayune offers un-measured monthly Internet Access, with a shell, for $90
Southwind Technologies of Biloxi offers the same for $48.95.
Datasync of Ocean Springs now offers 150 hours for $35, with an hourly rate for hours beyond 150 and $2.50 more to add a shell. Commercial content in web pages incurs even more charges.
Safe Harbor, whose planned opening is December 4, will be providing $34.95 monthly access.
Gulfcoast On-Line Development Inc. (GOLD), provides unlimited monthly access for $30.00.

NOTE: The above prices were believed to be correct as of 1 December 1995 and are subject to change.

SERVICE

Local Internet Access providers are more likely to be able to provide technical support in a timely manner. If you've ever tried calling America On-Line's customer support group, you know what we're talking about. In general, the larger access providers are going to be busier than the smaller providers handling support questions. In addition, GOLD has over 50 years combined computer experience and can deal with any of your questions, regardless of the complexity.

NETWORK CONNECTIVITY

GOLD Inc. uses a communications server with 115.2 K baud serial connections to its modem bank. On the other side of the terminal server is a local area Network which is routed directly into a T1 connection. This T1 connection (1.5 Million baud) is one hop away from a fully meshed ATM backbone. A "fully meshed ATM backbone" is nerd-speak meaning, pure, unadulterated speed. Being "one hop away from a Network backbone" means that the data packets have fewer potential bottlenecks on their way to or from the rest of the Internet.

WEB PRESENCE

Many Internet Service Providers offer Web Space as part of an optional command shell. That's not really unusual. What distinguishes GOLD Inc. from other ISPs is that GOLD Inc. places no restrictions on the content of "personal" web pages, other than what's allowed by law. That is, if you want to advertise goods or services in your Web pages, there is no extra charge. As a matter of fact, there is no extra charge for a command shell at all. You pay a flat $30 month -- the same $30 you're paying for Internet Access. You want to put commercial advertisements in your personal Web space? No problem. You want to maintain Web presence for a business or other organization, and charge for that service? No problem. You want to resell your Web space? At the risk of sounding redundant: you pay $30 a month. Additional space is also available, as needed.

SO WHAT'S THE POINT?

The point is that you now have a choice. The prices at other Gulfcoast ISPs might be considered good -- but are they as good as GOLD? Their Service may be good -- but is it as good as GOLD? Their Network Connectivity may be good -- but is it as good as GOLD? The price of Web Presence at other ISPs may be good -- but is it as good as GOLD?

Call us today for more information or to request an application (Voice/Fax 601-864-2423) or send questions and comments to newsletter@goldinc.com or sign up now!