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.
I had the opportunity to speak at some length with Tom Millitzer this evening at the networking event (were you there David? I didn't run into you). He gave me some really great insight and some great examples to which we can refer as we make some of our priorities more concrete.
I enjoyed the interview with Anastasia this afternoon as well. I really want people to understand how personally invested I, my comrades-in-arms and the volunteers/evangelists (more of whom join every day) are in this very important initiative. I hope this comes across when the WHIR TV interview is released. I believe in our ability to make this work. I believe this can work today despite the fact that it hasn't worked in the past. And I believe it MUST work, for the good of the industry.
I can't lie - I'm not entirely looking forward to seeing myself on TV. TV adds 10 pounds, which is the last thing I need at the moment :)
http://www.hostingindustryorg.com/
We have over 2,200 members are are based off a large LinkedIn group. We just launched the web page which has the first beta of tools for members that allows job postings, classifieds, a directory, brokerage postings, and anything else members request.
I actually registered for your site the moment I first heard about it a few days ago. I'm definitely interested in what you have going on, since it sounds like you've focused on a few of the technology-related items we also believe are high priorities for the industry. Let's talk offline before HostingCon is over. My direct contact info is on the AIHSP.org contact us page. Thanks!