Open Door Networks, Project A and Ashland Home Net are merging our Internet operations

After nearly 15 years of providing Internet service to the city of Ashland, and 10 years of providing Ashland Fiber Network based service, we're merging our Internet operations, along with those of Project A, into Ashland Home Net's. Ashland Home Net is the city's largest and broadest ISP, offering the widest range of services (including TV and phone) for the cheapest price.

Change can be unsettling, but in this case it's a very good thing. The same tech support staff most of you have worked with for the past 5 years, Michael Betzina, will be moving to Ashland Home Net to continue to provide the great Mac-focused support you've come to expect from us. And Ashland Home Net plans to continue our Mac-specific services, like general Macintosh support and training and security software. Plus, due to Ashland Home Net's economies of scale, most Open Door AFN customers should get at least a $2 per month PRICE REDUCTION. How often does that happen?

Jim Teece, president of Ashland Home Net, has published a welcome letter and FAQ here. I've known and worked with Jim for well over a decade now. Many of you probably know him as well, and know about his fervent commitment to the Macintosh, the AFN, and his customers. When I decided earlier this year that I wanted to focus Open Door Networks on ongoing iPhone and Macintosh software development, there was really only one choice, and Jim was it. The fact that adding our (and Project A's) customer bases to his will enable him to do even more for the community was a big added benefit, as was the price reduction you all should see. It's definitely a win, win, win.

And of course I'm certainly not going anywhere. I will continue to be involved with the ongoing evolution of the AFN, which Jim, I and others helped to design and roll out over 10 years ago now, and which has become a critical utility for the Ashland community. And of course, after 26 years (can you believe it!) of working on the Macintosh, I will certainly continue to be involved with that community as well. So you'll be seeing me around, perhaps even more than before. As always, please feel free to call me any time at 541-488-4127, or email alan@opendoor.com. Until then...

Your friend in Macintosh,
Alan

• a high speed connection: up to 10 Mbps (10 million bits per second), compared with 28 - 56 Kbps (28-56 thousand) via dialup
• you're always connected - no dialing up, no busy signals
• open access - you have a choice of Internet providers
• Ashland Fiber Network (AFN) is locally owned, your dollars stay in the community

Why choose Open Door?

If you own a Macintosh and want to get on the Ashland Fiber Network, we're the people you want to talk to.

• We know the Macintosh.
  • We've specialized in Macintosh-based Internet services since 1995.
  • We produce networking software for the Macintosh, including file sharing and security software.
  • Our software has been bundled with Apple products such as AppleShare IP.
  • Our founder worked at Apple for over a decade and helped create the Macintosh.
• We offer unique benefits to Macintosh users:
  • Macintosh-specific technical support.
  • We're Macintosh security experts. We've published numerous Macintosh security products, and Alan and Charles wrote the definitive book on Macintosh Internet security.
  • We're wireless Internet experts. Open Door Networks is an Ashland Unwired sponsor, helping to provide wireless Internet access at participating Ashland businesses.
  • Open Door Networks sponsors the Ashland Macintosh Users' Group.
  • A free copy of our critically acclaimed DoorStop X Firewall as well as Norton Anti-Virus software, both of which help prevent unwanted access to your machine -- critical protection now that your Mac will be connected to the Internet 24/7.
  • A 50% discount on all other Open Door software, including the Who's There Firewall Advisor and Envision.
  • Access to our customer-only Macintosh Support and Training Services, where we'll provide any sort of general Macintosh help you'd like (other than Applecare Warranty repairs). Contact us for details.
  • Access to our customer-only iBook availability program.
  • Drag-and-drop publishing of your Web pages, which is easier and more secure than FTP.
• We've been involved in the Ashland Fiber Network Steering Committee and Technical Committee since these groups were started.
• We're part of the community, helping to support projects such as the Ice Skating Rink, the YMCA Aquatic Center, ScienceWorks and Ashland Unwired.

Services Overview

AFN accounts generally include these Internet services:

• Internet access over Ashland's high-speed fiber optic network
• email (except Budget account)
• Web site - see account descriptions below for details (except Budget account)
• technical support via email and phone
• free security software (half-price for Budget account)
• 50% discount on Open Door products

We offer four account types:

• Budget - The least expensive way to get started with broadband Internet access.
• Basic - High-speed Internet access plus up to three email addresses, free security software and a personal website.
• Bonus - Even higher speed Internet Access. Everything in the Basic account and more!
• Best - The highest speed Internet Access.

Account Descriptions

a) Cable modem required. No setup fee for upgrade to Basic or Bonus. $50 for upgrade to Best (plus new modem may be needed).
b) See Web site features below.
c) Plus yearly registration fee.

Additional account options, such as additional dynamic IP addresses, static IP addresses, and other speeds are also available. We also offer Lite Accounts to preserve email and other services for our customers who leave the area or who can't get AFN. For more information, see our AFN Account Options.

What else?

For answers to frequently asked questions about the AFN, see our AFN FAQ.