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ISP help

run a small Internet service provider (ISP) in the UK. We’re running into some financial problems and could do with some advice.

Our chief engineer says that we could save money by using ‘open source’ software, but I’m not sure what it means in legal terms. I know that Open Source Software gives us more flexibility as flaws can be detected easier and initial cost is free. Would you recommend we take out insurance to cover our backs?

We’re also losing a lot of money through denial of service attacks – i know they are unlawful under the computer misuse act 1990, how do we identify IP addresses though?

We have heard through the Association of ISPs that we now have to retain user records. I know the new EC directive has been extended to ISPs and that we are to retain records for 12 months? That sounds expensive; I know why we have to do this as the government feel this will increase national security etc, however there has been debate as to whether small ISPs will be reimbursed by the government?

Can we use the data we collect to provide targeted advertising? as long as we have consent, are there any laws that cover this besides the Data Protection Act.

Finally, about network neutrality, will it affect me here in the UK and what is the current state of the law and the future for my business being a small ISP?
 
I have to ask, are you being serious?

If your Chief Engineer can't answer these questions for themselves or your not giving skilled staff the ability to improve your business by making these decisions themselves, then some serious questions or decisions have to be asked.

I'm baffled that your business is struggling to keep in neck above water from DOS attacks. Surely if you unable to managed these yourselves, then the management of your upstream bandwidth should be moved to someone else who could? Surely your chief engineer knows how to check firewall logs?

In terms of reimbursed...simple answer no. Time to build the cost of storage into to your business plans.

2010 is going to be hard year, more so than 2009. Investment in many new technologies I hope you have considered if your business is to progress forward. I wish you well.
 
I don`t want to appear negative but I must agree with "Aquiss".
If your chief engineer cannot answer your questions then you must consider, "is he/she the right person to be in that position"
I wish you the best with your business.
 
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Same, pretty unusual questions to be asking, indeed you yourself should ideally be able to answer those already. ISPs are a highly technical business and all but the largest have managers or CEOs who have experience with the makeup of such networks.
 
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