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With
our Commerce and Enterprise Accounts, setting up a commercial web
site is not difficult. But we still get questions about the functions
and features available with our hosting accounts. Here are answers
to some of the most frequently asked questions.
- What versions of Java/Servlets do you support?
- Can I have my own private JVM?
- Can I start and stop my JVM?
- Can I add JAR files and classfiles to my classpath?
- Do you support (insert name of Java compatible
API)?
- What database do you use and does it support
transactions?
- What is an SSL secure server?
- Where do I obtain a Secure Server Certificate?
- How do I process credit cards?
- Can I accept payments in realtime?
- Do I need shopping cart software?
- How long does it take?
- Why would I need Servlets or JSPs?
- How do I get started?
1) What versions of Java/Servlets do you support?
New!
We now use Jakarta Tomcat 3.1 running on Sun's Solaris JDK 1.2.2_05.
As the official reference implementation of the servlet and JSP
specifications, Tomcat supports the latest Servlets 2.2 and JSP
1.1 APIs.
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2) Can I have my own private JVM?
New!
Yes!
Every MMA hosting account with servlet and JSP support now
includes your own private instance of the Java Virtual Machine running
the latest version of the Tomcat servlet engine. This means your
data remains private and your site is protected against other users
crashing the VM.
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3) Can I start and stop my JVM?
Yes!
Through our control panel, you have the ability to stop and
start Tomcat, making it simple to add servlet init params and servlet
aliases to your servlet configuration.
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4) Can I add JAR files and classes to my
classpath?
Yes. With Tomcat, adding JAR files and classes to your classpath
is as simple as uploading them to the correct directory within your
account.
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5) Do you support (insert name of Java compatible API)?
Probably. If it's written in Java and can be accessed through
servlets, you can add the appropriate jar and class files to your
account classpath. It's that simple.
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6) What database do you use and does it
support transactions?
Currently we support MySQL 3.23 which does not support
transactions. Your MySQL database can be accessed via JDBC using the
org.gjt.mm.mysql.Driver, through Perl's DBI module or through PHP.
We plan to add a transaction-capable database as an additional option
in the near future. However, the exact database we will support and
the features it will include have not yet been determined.
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7) What is an SSL Secure Server?
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) server encrypts data as it travels
between the browser and the server. With concerns about credit card
liability, a secure server is essential for any online store. Without
SSL, credit card information is completely unprotected in transit.
While the chances are slim that anybody would intercept the information,
that's a chance no retailer should take -- especially given the
affordability of SSL servers today. MMA offers SSL capability via
Apache Stronghold servers that ensure the security of orders during
processing.
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8) Where do I obtain a Secure
Server Certificate?
A secure server certificate verifies to customers that your company
has the right to use the domain name presented to browsers by your
SSL Secure Server. This name verification prevents a third-party
from accepting orders while disguised as your business. Secure server
certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities like Thawte and
Verisign after a verification procedure which can take from 3 days
to several weeks. To receive a secure server certificate, your company
will need to provide the selected Certificate Authority with paperwork
such as articles of incorporation verifying your identity. Certificates
cost $125.00 (from Thawte) or $345.00 (from Verisign). While a secure
server certificate is not required, it is a very good idea. If you
do not have a secure certificate, visitors to your order forms will
receive a warning each time they attempt to checkout.
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9) How do I process credit cards?
To process credit cards you first need a credit card merchant account
with a bank. Every bank has different requirements for approving
merchants and the application process varies. The process can take
several weeks. Many banks also require an application fee.
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10) Can I accept payments in realtime?
If you have a product like software that is delivered in realtime,
you might want to consider a credit card processor which authorizes
cards as soon as orders are submitted. There are a number of companies
offering this service, including Cybercash, AuthorizeNet, Cambist
and others. Developing a site compatible with a processor like this
requires three primary steps: Establishing a merchant account with
a participating bank (not all banks are compatible with all processors
- so be sure to check). Signing up for the realtime processing service.
Developing a web site compatible with the processor's software.
MMA can help guide you through the setup process and install the
necessary software like Cybercash's MCK Cash Register Gateway on
your virtual server account. For best results, be sure to visit
the realtime processor of your choice and read their instructions
on how to get started.
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11) Do I need shopping cart software?
If you're selling more than a few products, chances are you'll need
some kind of shopping cart software on your site. This type of software
enables visitors to browse the pages of your site and select items
at their leisure before finally placing an order. There are dozens
of software packages available for this purpose. MMA offers the
Cartlet Java Shopping Cart, as well as our CGI-based DBCart. We
also specialize in custom-programmed solutions for stores with unique
requirements.
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12) How long does it take?
We can usually have your account up and running within a few hours,
or a maximum of 1 business day. But typically,developing a new commercial
web site from scratch takes from two to six weeks. This includes
the time required for installing the necessary software, creating
the HTML pages, setting up SSL, and obtaining the secure server
certificate from the Certificate Authority. If you don't yet have
a merchant account with a bank for accepting credit cards, this
may add to the time required. MMA helps minimize your time to market
with our convenient utilities, shopping cart software and EZControl
control panel.
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13) Why would I need Servlets or JSPs?
Perl scripts are great for quickly creating a small database
search or prototyping a site with dynamic pages. But once a site
starts getting a large amount of traffic, Perl's process-per-user
architecture starts to become detrimental. Once the number of hits
passes a certain threshold, no machine can handle the number of
Perl processes necessary to handle user requests. Java servlets
offer a multithreaded means of handling high-volume sites that avoids
these problems and allows scalability to be designed- in from the
start.
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14) How do I get started?
Since there are so many different steps involved, the best way to
get started is to contact us
and tell us what capabilities and features you want on your site.
We can then help you coordinate the software, Secure Server Certificate
and other steps to ensure that everything works together once your
site is up and running. We're here to help! Just ask.
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