By Colby Horton
Shop Site of the Month
S&S Service Center - Kansas City, Mo.
www.ssservicecenter.com
This site's staff section offers comprehensive biographies, credentials and photos of staff members. An online newsletter offers tips to visitors and a complete service menu provides needed information to customers. An appointment scheduler and employment section provides convenience to the site's visitors.
Web Wise
High-Speed Internet Access:
What Type Is Right For Your Shop?, Part II
Last month, AutoInc. explored two high-speed Internet options for your shop: cable and digital subscriber lines (DSL). But two more options are evolving in high-speed access, giving your shop additional options to speed up your Internet connection.
The first option - fixed wireless - encompasses a variety of technologies, including cellular and radio. But the same type of technology used in these entities can also be used in high-speed Internet connections. Basically, transmission towers connected directly to the Internet transmit and receive data from your computer. In some cases, these towers can be as far away as 35 miles. But to communicate with the tower, you have to mount a small rooftop antenna, which connects to your computer. Although not readily available, fixed wireless can be obtained in several large cities throughout the United States as well as many rural areas where it becomes cheaper to build transmission towers rather than run cable to homes and businesses.
Fixed wireless offers extremely fast connection speeds comparable to cable connections, but quicker than DSL. However, much like cable Internet access, fixed wireless shares bandwidth with many users. To see if fixed wireless is available in your area, visit the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association locator map (www.pdqlink.com/wisp/maps.htm).
Another option emerging in high-speed Internet access is satellite. The key advantage of this option is that it is available almost anywhere. When you request a Web page, a satellite receives the information from your dish, which is connected to your computer by a modem and coaxial cable. At speeds eight to nine times faster than a 56k dial-up connection, the satellite option provides the same (if not faster) speed of cable and DSL options.
The main disadvantage of satellite is the cost. With hardware, installation and monthly access, satellite providers' charges can be an enormous business expense. In addition, weather problems might disrupt or slow down your connection speed.
High-speed Internet access can be a valuable investment for your shop. Weigh your options before making a decision. For more information on high-speed Internet access, review April's Net Worth column.
Net Numbers
Although satellite Internet access is available almost everywhere, less than 300,000 people have adopted this option worldwide.
Dataquest
ASA Web Ways
Employment Classifieds
Are you looking for a qualified employee to fill a position in your shop? One of the best resources for Automotive Service Association members to fill a position for a technician, manager or administrator in their shop is the Employment Classified section of the ASA Web site. Using their six-digit ASA member number (located on the mailing label of AutoInc.), ASA national members can post a “Position Available” advertisement in 19 different categories free of charge. These postings include past experience and certifications/education required, along with any additional information. Automotive professionals looking for a job can also post free advertisements using the “Positions Wanted” form. Ads automatically expire 30 days after posting.
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Net Worth is written by Colby Horton, ASA's electronic communications manager. He can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 234, or by e-mail at colbyh@asashop.org.
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