Eilink Integrated Internet Solution - Company Business and Marketing

Home Office Computing, May, 2000 by M.B.

HOC RATING 5

EILINK CORP.'S INTEGRATED Internet Solution server (510-657-6292, www.eilink. com) combines trends ranging from Web hosting to Micron-style "subscription computing" to specialized server devices like Intel's InBusiness E-Mail Station. For $99 a month ($49 after 15 months), you get an Internet router, print and e-mail server, and remote access server (RAS) dial-in access with a simple firewall, plus 50MB of hosted Web site space. On the minus side, the product seems a bit unfocused, and better for 10- to 20-seat businesses than two- to five-person offices.

When you sign up, you receive a Linux-based, 333MHz Celeron-powered server with a 6.4GB hard disk and 56Kbps modem for multiuser Internet sharing via a single phone line (pricing for cable and DSL options wasn't set at press time). The box acts as a proxy server, storing often-visited Web sites to speed access time, but the included UUNet Internet access falls short of full time at 150 hours per month (each additional hour costs $1.50).

Oddly, the Eilink box isn't meant to be accessed directly; all configuration is done via your Web account and browser. The unit works fine as an e-mail server, but you must configure it and manage all the accounts yourself, and you'll still need an e-mail client such as Microsoft Outlook or Eudora.

The thin documentation lacks info about Web site management or instructions for Eilink's promised file, print, and FTP server functions; and you only get 30 days of free weekday phone support. Still, if you stay with the service for 15 months, the server is yours to keep--although the e-mail software won't work after your subscription lapses.

While we like the Eilink concept, this package seems like too much trouble for most home offices.

[up arrow] Pay as you go; yours after 15 months

[down arrow] Skimpy dcumentation and support; overkill for home offices

RATINGS

HOME OFFICE COMPUTING rates products on a scale of 1 to 10--with few 9's or 10's--based on value, performance, innovation (medals go to rare standouts in these areas), ease of use, and suitability for home offices. The [up arrow] and [down arrow] symbols indicate pros and cons.