> I have never heard from ANY ISP where billing for multiple use didn't
work.
> and I have heard from MANY where it did. I think I've heard from more
ISPs
> reporting that they like the billing solution and it works for them than
> I have heard from ISPs looking for a technical solution.
Billing functions convert "unlimited" services to "user pay", which is a
more elegant approach than police actions - which can affect you
emotionally after a while. And as producers of such software, we find that
in complex, heterogeneous networks it is far wiser to upgrade your
authentication procedures and usage policies than to harass multiple
logons.
There are too many instances of legitimate multiple use to consider,
especially for intranets/WANS, and you don't want to have to examine or
squeeze everyone's permissions that tightly.
The real benefit to look for from variegated billing options might be the
way that your system loading can be distributed over the 24 hour clock.
Sell them a RedEye for $5 more a month and let the robot work the night
shift. You'll need fewer modems and lines, which was the rationale for
reducing multiple logons, and the people who need the long hours won't
bother you -they'll be face down on their keyboards at 5:00am. ;-)
If ISP's can build local or specialized content/chat into their websites,
and restrict access to users from their domains only, perhaps do so
globally, then your customers will not abandon their email address and
cross the road for $4 a month.
If you still want to advertise UNLIMITED and then be a supercop, your only
product is price, and the difficulties you create are your own.
Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.
Best Regards,
Dwight Jones
Imagen Communications
http://www.imagen.net
Information Architects tm