Websys Technology doesn't just design and build websites, we also maintain them. For the record, not every customer wants this service, and while we hope to convince our clients otherwise, we respect the customer's right to forego this option. Hey '- It's their dollar!

However, we recently had a client who contacted us because their email wasn't working. We soon discovered that the problem had nothing to do with us. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, their domain had expired due to a credit card misunderstanding. Since his email wasn't working, he never got the notice that they were putting his domain up for sale. More importantly, for a short time, this domain name was available.

There are opportunists lurking in cyberspace who look for situations like this. They pounce on unprotected, established domain names which can now be purchased for a fraction of what they are worth to the business which previously owned it. These unscrupulous individuals then offer to sell back the domain name for, say, $10K. If you are the owner of a business which has spent years establishing itself through this website, where all your business email and product transactions are handled, you have no real choice but to pay it.

This is just one example of what can happen when you go it alone in website maintenance. Consider just a few of the regular tasks associated with web support:

• Application Updates

Third party CMS Applications regularly need updating, along with security revisions. Do you have the time and knowledge for this?

• Backup

Backing up your website daily, including your database and all files, is just common sense. If the server crashes, or your site gets hacked, a web hosting company will provide limited assistance, at best.

• Track Site Speed

If it takes more than a couple of seconds to pull up your site, you've lost business. This has to be closely observed, and maintained.

• Fix Crashes

Stuff happens. Chances are, this is more a question of WHEN it will happen, not IF. Pinpointing the underlying cause of the crash (code, malware, and web host issues) is only half the problem. You still need to fix it. And lost time is money.

Although it may seem that you will save money by maintaining the site yourself, one miscue can cost you thousands of dollars and many lost hours of work. At Websys Technology, we offer a lasting partnership with our clients. Whether you already have an existing site, or are building a new one, our support programs will provide you with peace of mind. Here you'll find domain management, website maintenance, application management, hotline support, mentoring, training, and consultation. Intrigued? Find out more.

Don't go it alone. The risks are too great.