AIT Spells Success IMHIP.

Business Editors, High Tech Writers

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2002

"It's less expensive, easily configured for what I need, and makes customer management much easier." That's how independent software developer Robert Hantson assesses the IMHIP hosting platform

The IMHIP, or Independently Managed Hosting & Internet Platform, gives AIT customers, particularly resellers, total administrative control over multiple servers, domains, and Internet services like hosting, dialup and domain registration for a flat monthly fee. "I was paying $1,000 a month for a colocated server; now, my costs are cut by more than 90%, plus I have tech support," says Hantson. "For a small business, that predictable budgeting is a crucial element."

A key facet of IMHIP is the powerful Server Management Tool or "control panel" that provides a single interface that customers can use for everything: to add or delete accounts, provision and manage services for customers, even handle billing. "This solution provides AIT resellers, ISP's, and CLEC's with the means of managing multiple servers and services without the associated back-end hardware, technical staff, and connectivity expenses," said Clarence Briggs, the company's Chief Executive Officer. "They can focus on selling services and managing customers. And, our 24/7 support staff is at the ready in case questions or issues arise."

In addition, the Server Management Tool is accessible from any browser or PDA, so accounts can be provisioned or managed anytime, from anywhere. "That mobility gives me an edge," says Hantson. "My business requires some traveling and I don't have an IT staff in a central office to provide support, so when my customers need something, IMHIP lets me take care of it from the road."

The IMHIP platform also ties in to AIT's patented Managed Load & Redistribution System (MLRS), which Briggs calls "the ultimate tool for managing complex hosting." Instead of distributing resources to customers and processes, customers and processes are distributed over resources and integrated into a comprehensive information system. Hosting accounts, web services and applications can be provisioned, modified, and managed through a virtual interface across multiple platforms. "MLRS enables our customers to maximize computing resources, and to automate the provisioning and management of their services," says Briggs.

Service Providers who deliver web-based services to the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) market require the ability to provision, host, bundle, bill, and manage large numbers of clients with varying needs in a cost effective manner. ISP's, CLEC's, ASP's, Resellers, and entrepreneurs who operate home-based businesses must be able to both minimize costs and rapidly provision and deliver high quality, custom, hosted solutions. With hundreds of thousands of clients, AIT has the experience to be the provider's provider.

IMHIP enables administrators to view and manage their server network from a single, secure console. This unprecedented console empowers non-technical administrators to perform changes across a limitless number of hosting plans with the proficiency of skilled IT professionals. Only IMHIP gives service providers revenue opportunities across the entire value chain of web services. "If you want to consolidate management, reduce costs, and expand revenue opportunities, the IMHIP is the plan for you," says Briggs.

For users like Robert Hantson, the combination of IHMIP and MLRS mean his solution can support a variety of applications while providing customers with trouble-free service, leaving him more time to grow his business. "I like the independence this provides, and the platform is robust so I can add services for my customers with confidence," says Hantson.

Founded in 1996 in North Carolina, AIT, Inc. has been recognized as one of the fastest growing technology companies in North America by Inc Magazine and by Deloitte & Touche. AIT provides an Internet presence and e-commerce services to more than 190,000 domains. AIT also offers data storage, colocation, software development, security services, application hosting, and a technical education center.