Buying an Internet Connection is a lot like buying a computer. As with buying a computer, your choice of Internet providers should be driven by your intended use. If you are looking for a minimum cost, bare bones computer for your kids, you might seek out the lowest priced system in the back of a magazine or even assemble something yourself from parts bought at a flea market. However, if you are buying something for your company that your business will depend on, you would probably choose differently.

For your business, you might consider buying the most expensive solution exercising the theory that you get what you pay for. However, once you've really studied the question, the right choice might well turn out to be a mid-range system from a stable, nationally recognized provider.

There are some low cost IP service suppliers who claim to be just as good as the others, but may not be in business next year to prove it. Conversely, there are other suppliers who will attempt to justify providing the same level of services as their competitors, at many times the price.

This guide suggests a set of questions to pose and evaluation criteria against which you can compare and contrast the different Internet service companies you have to choose from. In this exciting but still maturing market, the lure of Internet connectivity and Enterprise Wide Area Network outsourcing will require many companies and individuals to evaluate service providers within the next couple of years. The intent of this guide is to stimulate your thinking on the subject while challenging you to challenge your provider!