In a prior post I opined that web hosts could use a good association to deal with a number of issues. Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of core members, the hosting industry has a nascent association: the Association of Internet and Hosting Service Providers or AIHSP. The AIHSP is getting great send off here at HostingCon thanks to the efforts of George Roberts and Frank Spaulding who have given AIHSP space to promote the association, and the opportunity to network with hosts attending the show.
As I’ve pointed out in the past, an association is good for many reasons. The first is helping raise the profile of an industry that gets relatively little notice, and, honestly, that has relatively little cohesion. Aside from HostingCon, and a couple of other events, it is rare for hosts to get together and compare notes. Even when hosts do get together, only pressing issues are discussed. There is little time for discussing standards, best practices and other issues that are hallmarks of an industry that has reached a bit of maturity. An association gives companies the breathing room and time necessary to think and talk about these issues in more depth.
So what can you do? Stop by the AISHP’s booth in the HostingCon exhibit hall and see what they’re up to, and what you can do to make the association what you’d like it to be. If you’re unable to make it to HostingCon, just stop by the web site and get active – or at least sign up for news. If none of those work, feel free to drop me an e-mail, or stop me in the hall at the show, and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
