IBM Corp’s Global Network unit is bringing its experience of hosting websites for clients such as the Atlanta Olympics and the National Hockey League to the mass market. Big Blue on Tuesday introduced its newly focused Web Solutions initiative for internet outsourcing, which will offer end-to-end web service for companies of all sizes using IBM’s technology, expertise and infrastructure. It says the goal is to help companies develop an internet presence which both effectively conveys the corporate image and generates real business. IBM, which has been in the web hosting field for a year and a half, has thus far been providing customized services for a few hundred clients, and now hopes to enter the mass market in a big way. IBM estimates the global market for web hosting to reach $6bn annually over the next five years. To make sure it gets its share of that pie, the company is offering new packages to get businesses on the web quickly and easily, with services that it describes as both reliable and secure. With cost also being a major factor if the program is going to have true mass market appeal, IBM is offering a shared plan that starts at $495 per month, and several dedicated plans that begin at $2600 per month. For this, IBM will design and maintain your website, down to providing ethical hackers that will find ways to violate your security and then tell you how they did it. Newly introduced dial-up options include 56k access based on US Robotics’ X2 technology, ISDN lines and dual access, single dial-up service for internet/intranet connections. The Web Solutions services will be sold through an IBM 1-800 number as well as various reselling channels. They are available immediately in North America and Europe and will be available in the Asia/Pacific region next quarter.
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