The Internet is a vast network of high-speed data lines that interconnect millions of computers throughout the world. The main trunk line of the Internet was created in secret by the US Government in the 1960's as a mechanism to connect the computer network that was considered vital to national security. With the end of the cold war, this trunk of high-speed data line was employed for some 20 years by only colleges, universities, supercomputing centers and governmental agencies to transfer strictly non-commercial data. In 1992, the Internet became public domain and commercial, for-profit businesses were allowed to use connections to the Internet to transfer data and communications. The data transfer protocols have historically been cryptic and difficult to the novice to master. More recently, graphical user interfaces that perform the cryptic Internet commands in the background and present a "Windows" like view to the user have allowed less technical people take advantage of the Internet. Further developments allow businesses like Globalport.com, inc. to provide interfaces between the Internet and a business database. This interface will allow customers and employees to dial-up the Internet from a local phone and access that data as if it were on their own computer.

To connect to the Internet, some software is required but it is generally free. Special programming is needed to interface the Internet with a database. The interface might use one or both the WWW (World Wide Web) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to allow files to be transferred from one computer to another. There is an Internet Protocol for file transfer called FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This capability is managed by a special "server" called a FTP server. With this protocol, a user selects the files by name to be moved through the Internet to his computer. Programming is needed to set-up which files each user is allowed access to and to set up a specific interface between a business and its Internet users. Another option for a database to be interfaced with the Internet is to use the World Wide Web so that a graphical representation of the data can be seen by the user. This data can then be printed to the users home computer. The interface between a database and the World Wide Web requires programming specific to that data structure and the needs of the client. This programming is tailored by Globalport.com, inc. to the needs of the customer.

To connect to the Internet, some software is required but it is generally free. Special programming is needed to interface the Internet with a database. The interface might use one or both the WWW (World Wide Web) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to allow files to be transferred from one computer to another. There is an Internet Protocol for file transfer called FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This capability is managed by a special "server" called a FTP server. With this protocol, a user selects the files by name to be moved through the Internet to his computer. Programming is needed to set-up which files each user is allowed access to and to set up a specific interface between a business and its Internet users. Another option for a database to be interfaced with the Internet is to use the World Wide Web so that a graphical representation of the data can be seen by the user. This data can then be printed to the users home computer. The interface between a database and the World Wide Web requires programming specific to that data structure and the needs of the client. This programming is tailored by Globalport.com, inc. to the needs of the customer.

In order for this transfer of data to occur there are only four requirements that must be met:

  1. The data must reside on a computer connected to the Internet called a "server". This computer serves up data that is requested by the user. The location of the server is not important once connected to the Internet. The server is accessible from anywhere in the world allowing data communications to occur at the speed of light making physical distances less important.
  2. The files on the server must have an address that is known by the Internet so that data can be found. This address is called a "domain". The data may reside within the domain of the server operator or a separate domain for just a single business may be established on the Internet. This address (domain) is used to route data communications on the Internet much like the Postal Service routes your mail.
  3. The customers or employees of the business must be connected to the Internet. This connection can be provided by services such as America On-line or CompuServe, but the most efficient way is through a local Internet Service Provider (ISP). A dial-up Point to Point Protocol (PPP) account is requested and the users computer is connected to the Internet by this provider. A local call with no long distance charges and a one time monthly fee of less than $30.00 is the rule.
  4. Software to navigate the Internet is needed. This software is free at this time and should be configured for your computer by the Internet Service Provider. We presently recommend Netscape software.

The Internet is not free. The interconnected computers and networks all over the world must maintain their individual connections to each other and to The Internet backbone itself. The connections to The Internet are provided mostly by the major telephone companies to Internet Service Providers. Internet Service Providers are companies that connect end users to The Internet backbone. They are not utility companies, they just provide the computers and switching capabilities that regulate traffic on and off The Internet. For this service they will charge a monthly fee that is set depending on anticipated use. Once a business is connected to The Internet, data may be transferred to and from that business by The Internet without any further cost. This effectively allows local phone access to The Internet from anywhere in the world to transfer data as if a dedicated data line were leased by your business. Therefore a small business can use The Internet to leverage itself into a realm of data transmission and communication that was not cost effective before. It will allow for a level customer service that was only afforded by a major corporate assets before now.