Portal Info
Max Cray
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Date: Thu, 25 Feb 93 12:37:03 PST
From: uunet!corp.portal.com!sm (Shannon McElyea)
Message-Id: <930225203...@demon.corp.portal.com>
To: underg.ucf.org!max
Subject: Portal Services Update
Dear Max,
Here's an update of our services FYI.
As you are probably aware, we now have shell accounts, internet
services such as ftp and telnet; we have OpenLook toolkits for Sun
Workstations for UUCP accounts, we have the largest collection ftp'ble
archives in the world, and we're about to release ppp/slip connections.
Portal is also investigating pops in California and thereabouts.
Portal has world-wide X.25 local dialup via SprintNet/Tymnet.
Thanks for your interest. (I'm keeping you updated per your request
last year.)
Shannon McElyea
408 973 9111
PORTAL INTERACTIVE SERVICES
The Portal Interactive Services give you unparalleled access to the
global networks. Portal offers two different interactive services: the
Portal Shell and Portal Online.
The Portal Shell gives you access to the Portal computers using
standard UNIX commands. It offers a wide range of UNIX commands and
services, including shells, electronic mailers, the Usenet, gnu
software, development tools, and more. It is especially appropriate for
experienced UNIX users, those with unusual requirements, and anyone who
wants a powerful online system.
The Portal Online Service provides a convenient menu-based interface to
standard network facilities like electronic mail, the Usenet, and the
Internet, plus other features like chat, SIG's, and games. It is
designed for users who need network connectivity but don't want to
learn the UNIX shell.
Both services give you the industry's best network connectivity. You
get access to the Internet and services like ftp, telnet, and irc. Our
electronic mail gateways communicate with virtually every email
service. Links to SprintNet and other X.25 networks give you local
access from thousands of cities around the world.
Portal is a high performance, very reliable service. Our unique
multiple machine architecture keeps us from getting overloaded, and
makes it easy for us to add additional capacity. We have the industry's
largest and best trained support staff.
The Shell Environment
The Portal Shell gives you a full-featured UNIX environment. You can
choose from a wide range of shells (csh, ksh, sh, and tcsh), mailers
(mail, Mail, mush, and elm) and the complete collection of gnu
software. An extensive collection of utilities and software rounds out
the system.
Online
The Portal Online System has an easy-to-use interface, and is designed
for those who wish to take advantage of our interactive services
without the overhead of learning UNIX. Its full-screen interface works
with virtually all computers, terminals, and emulators. Like the Shell,
the Online service gives you Internet access, extensive archives, mail
and Usenet. It also features chat, SIG's, and online games.
High Performance
The Portal interactive services are fast! RISC machines, lots of
memory, huge disks, high speed modems, and our unique multiple machine
architecture combine to give you the highest possible performance.
Portal is committed to maintaining the highest quality service. If our
machines get close to capacity, we'll add more. If our modems are busy,
we'll add more. If our disks fill, we'll add more. This is in sharp
contrast to most other providers, who are unwilling or unable to
maintain a top quality service.
Internet Connectivity
Portal gives you access to the Internet. You can use ftp, telnet, irc,
and other Internet services to take full advantage of the net. Our
redundant high-speed links and very high performance routers give you
the best possible performance. Plus, our mail gateways give you
unsurpassed connectivity.
The Usenet
Portal has probably the most extensive Usenet connection in the
industry. We subscribe to every available newsgroup, and keep them
around for quite some time (our news disk array holds several
gigabytes). Multiple complete feeds from major network sites make our
delivery fast and reliable. Shell users can choose from a number of
newsreaders, including rn, trn, nn, vnews, and readnews, while Online
users enjoy our menu-oriented interface.
Archives
A Portal Interactive account puts an immense collection of information
at your fingertips. The Portal Archive - the world's largest UNIX
archive - has many gigabytes of public domain software, documents, and
other information which you can browse. We are constantly updating and
improving the Archive. If you can't find what you are looking for on
Portal, you can search the Internet using archie and ftp.
Once you find what you need, you have several ways to get it to your
machine:
- download using zmodem, xmodem, kermit, or other file transfer protocol.
- send it via UUCP (Shell only).
- retrieve it via tape or diskette. We'll write the information to tape
and mail it to you (Shell only).
How to Reach Us
You can access the Portal Interactive Services in several ways:
- direct dial into our modems. Our very high speed modems support
v.32bis, v.42bis, TurboPEP, and most other modem standards.
- through one of our points of presence in the Bay Area. These all
feature the same high speed modems as our direct dial ports.
- with a local call from thousands of cities around the world using
SprintNet or other packet data networks.
- via Telnet from any Internet site (subject to appropriate use
restrictions).
C...@portal.com or in...@portal.com (Email)
408 725-1580 (FAX)
408 973-9111 (voice)
Portal Communications Company
20863 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite #200
Cupertino, CA 95014
408 973-9111 (voice)
PORTAL INTERACTIVE ACCOUNT SIGNUP FORM
NAME:
First:_____________________ Middle:_______________ Last: _____________________
Street Address: ______________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip/Country: ______________________________________________________
Area Code & Phone Number: ____________________________________________________
Credit card number (Indicate: Visa or Mastercard):____________________________
Expiration date:_______________
Please select a password for you account. It must be between 9 and 24
characters long and should be hard to guess. Letters, numbers and
punctuation are all okay, and upper and lower case letters are
considered different.
Password: ____________________________________________________________________
Select a Shell Login name: ___________________________________________________
(must be lower case)
Select Shell type: ____________________(choose from sh, csh, ksh, tcsh)
Select Shell Password (8 characters MAXIMUM): ________________________________
I understand that I will be charged $19.95 to open my account, plus
$19.95/month for usage, plus SprintNet and other charges for additional
services. There charges will be incurred until I explicitily close my
account. If I provide a credit card number, then I authorize Portal to
apply these charges to my credit card. Other terms and conditions are
specified in the Portal User Agreement. I have receiveda copy of the
agreement and agree to the conditions within.
Printed Name:___________________________________ Date: ____________________
Signature:___________________________________
To get you up and running quickly, you may call us and sign up
on the phone, or, email or fax this application. To insure the
confidentiality of this transaction, you may wish to submit
this application only via mail or fax. In all cases, please
return this signed form for our records, to:
C...@portal.com (Email)
408 725-1580 (FAX)
408 973-9111 (voice)
Portal Communications Company
20863 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite #200
Cupertino, CA 95014
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UUCP
The Portal UUCP Connection is a powerful tool for linking your
computer to the world's networks. The applications are endless:
- talk directly to your hardware vendors, software developers, and
others via electronic mail.
- communicate with other UNIX users around the globe.
- have late-breaking news delivered directly to your desk, including
wire services, technology stock information, and columnists like Dave
Barry.
- get free software, security alerts, and product information.
Portal's window-based ToolKits take the guesswork out of installing and
configuring UUCP, making the power of the network available to anyone.
Network electronic mail lets you exchange mail with millions of people
on thousands of networks around the world.
Usenet lets you participate in discussions on thousands of technical
and recreational conferences with over two million people around the
world.
The Portal Archive, the world's largest UUCP archive, contains
gigabytes of software, bug fixes, standards documents, and more.
All this is done with UUCP, a UNIX networking application included with
most UNIX computers. A full featured UUCP connection is surprisingly
affordable, and requires little time or effort.
What you need:
- A computer running UUCP or a UUCP clone.
- A modem.
- A regular telephone line.
- A Portal UUCP Connection
About UUCP
UUCP is a simple, cost-effective way to connect geographically
distributed computers. It uses dial-up modems and telephone lines to
connect computers and exchange information. UUCP is included with most
UNIX computers.
Once it is installed, UUCP runs with little manual intervention. It
automatically calls Portal and transfers the mail and Usenet news as
often as you like. You can also choose to have Portal's computers call
your machine when we have information for you.
The Portal Advantage
Get more when you join Portal. Portal is a full-range UUCP provider and
offers a broad range of services:
- electronic mail, Usenet feeds, and The Portal Archive.
- window-based ToolKits (a Portal exclusive) for installing UUCP, mail,
and the Usenet.
- top-notch support to get you up and running fast.
- access to The Portal Online System for libraries, chat, ftp, telnet,
and more
Portal's unique network architecture provides impressive reliability
and performance. We provide UUCP services with a network of machines,
not just one. This modular architecture lets us easily expand to meet
increased demand, provides redundancy, and frees us from the poor
performance that characterizes many other providers.
Electronic Mail
Network mail is a powerful tool for connecting you to the rest of the
world. With your Portal UUCP Connection, your machine becomes a part of
the global network, not just a stand-alone box on your desk.
Portal provides full Internet mail connectivity. We will help you pick
a domain name and register it for you, provide both your primary and
secondary name server, and forward your mail to and from the Internet.
Our high speed direct Internet connection and dedicated mail forwarding
machines make your mail delivery fast and reliable.
Usenet
We provide you with a timely, tailored feed of exactly the groups you
want. You can choose from the thousands of public groups (we have them
all) as well as more specialized and limited distribution ones.
Dedicated Usenet machines, disk array technology, and redundant feeds
make our Usenet service especially timely and robust.
The Portal Archive
Portal has the world's largest UUCP archive, and it is accessible by
anyone with a Portal UUCP Connection. Our Archive includes many
gigabytes of information which you can retrieve using the UUCP command,
the window-based Portal Archive Manager, or by tape. If it's out there,
we probably have it.
Pricing
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UUCP Connection
The Portal UUCP Connection is a full-featured offering that includes
UUCP, a tailored Usenet feed, electronic mail, access to our Archives,
and Internet email connectivity.
Setup charge
$49.95
The initial charge covers the process of creating your Portal UUCP
Connection, and includes:
o your login name and password
o Internet mail connectivity (domain name registration, name
service, and mail forwarding)
o the Nutshell UUCP handbooks
o The Portal Standard ToolKit, which includes a free Portal
Monthly charge
$34.95/month
The monthly charge is billed to your account once a month.
Hourly charge
$1.95/hour
You are billed this amount for your actual connect time to Portal. Time
is billed in one minute increments, with partial minutes rounded up.
Outdial telephone charge
Telephone charges+ 20%
Outdial charges apply when our computer calls yours. We bill you for
the telephone company charges, plus 20 percent.
Support
Portal offers the industry's best support, with a number of options to
meet your requirements. Support services are available a la carte or
through a support contract. A la carte support lets you pay for just
the support you need, when you need it. Contracts provide prepaid
support services at a discounted rate. Larger discounts are available
by committing to a six- or twelve-month term. Regardless of the
support option you choose, the quality of the service is the same. We
log your call and assign it to one of our support engineers, who will
respond within one working day. This engineer is personally responsible
for fixing your problem. If the problem is our fault, there is no
charge.
Phone visit
$75/hour, billed in 6 minute increments
A phone visit is when we log into your computer and diagnose and repair
problems remotely.
Telephone support
$100/hour, billed in 6 minute increments
With telephone support, you use the phone to communicate with our
support engineers.
Support contract
$150/month
$800/6 months
$1500/year
A support contract entitles your designated support contact to a 1/3
discount on support services. It includes $150 per month of these
services.
Account maintenance
Free
There is no charge for account maintenance actions like changing Usenet
subscriptions, when requested via electronic mail.
Software
Portal is the only UUCP service provider to offer custom software for
installing and maintaining your UUCP Connection.
Standard ToolKit
Free
The Standard ToolKit includes:
o The Portal UUCP Install Tool
o The Portal Mail Install Tool
o The Portal Archive Manager
Usenet ToolKit
$595
The Usenet ToolKit includes:
o The Portal UUCP Connection, including the Setup charge
o The Portal Usenet Install Tool
o installation routines to assist in installing the Usenet software
(for non-window-based users)
o pre-configured software for sending and receiving the Usenet (both
source code and Sparc binaries); including low-level transport software
and a number of news readers
o The Portal Standard ToolKit
One-Box Solution
$1400
The One-Box Solution includes:
o The Portal Standard ToolKit
o The Portal Usenet ToolKit
o Pre-configured Telebit WorldBlazer modem and cable
o One month support contract
o First month monthly charge
Portal Tools run on Sparc-based machines under SunOS 4.1 or later and
OpenWindows 2.0 or later.
Tape Service
The contents of the Portal Archives are available via tape. We charge
you a flat rate, regardless of the amount of data you request. Tapes
and disks are usually ordered using the Portal Archive Manager, but can
also be requested by telephone, fax, or electronic mail.
QIC-11, QIC-24
$100
These 1/4" tape cartridges hold up to 60mb.
QIC-150
$175
This 1/4" tape cartridge holds up to 150mb.
Exabyte 8mm
$1000
This 8mm video tapes holds up to 2.2gb.
1.4mb floppy
$50
This 3.5" diskette holds up to 1.4mb.
THE PORTAL UUCP CONNECTION APPLICATION
Please fill-in the information requested and return to:
C...@portal.com (Email)
or 408 725-1580 (FAX)
or mail: Portal Communications Company
20863 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite #200
Cupertino, CA 95014
or call: 408 973-9111 (voice)
Thank you very much!
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Fax: _____________________________
Email address or login name: ______________________________________________
BILLING CONTACT
Please give us the billing contact. This is the person who
should receive bills and questions about your account. If you
leave this section blank, bills will be sent to the technical
contact.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Fax: _____________________________
Email address or login name: ______________________________________________
MACHINE DESCRIPTION
Please tell us about the computer you will be using as your
main mail and Usenet machine:
Manufacturer: __________________________
Model: _________________________________
OS Version: ____________________________
MODEM DESCRIPTION
Please tell us about the modem you will be using:
Description: ____________________________
Manufacturer: ___________________________
Model: __________________________________
Would you like information on Portal's high-speed modem discount
purchase program?
yes/no
ELECTRONIC MAIL
All Portal UUCP Connections include electronic mail. In order
to send you mail, you need to have an address. Mail is
addressed to your computer in one of two ways: by hostname
(every UUCP-connected machine must have a unique hostname) or
by domain name (all Portal UUCP Connections include a domain
name). If you would like to have help in choosing a name,
please let us know.
Hostname: _______________________________
Domain name: ____________________________
Briefly describe your organization (for nic registration purposes):
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
USENET FEED
This is a customized feed of the Usenet news. You can get as
little or as much as you like, and change your subscriptions at
any time.
Please send me the following Usenet hierarchies:
___ everything (46mb/day)
___ alt (12mb/day)
___ comp (8mb/day)
___ misc (1.3mb/day)
___ news (1.2mb/day)
___ rec (7mb/day)
___ sci (1.5mb/day)
___ soc (4mb/day)
___ talk (1.6mb/day)
other: _________________________________
By default, we send the news to you once per hour. For most sites, this
is a good interval. Some sites prefer to have news sent to them at off
hours, when telephone rates are lower, or to reduce the load on their
machines during the day.
UUCP PRODUCTS
Please specify which UUCP product
or extra service you would like to have:
- THE PORTAL UUCP CONNECTION
Internet email and custom usenet feeds; Nutshell UUCP handbook;
domain registration; UUCP and Mail Install Tools, Archive Manager.
- THE USENET TOOLKIT
UUCP Connection plus Usenet transport sofware and newsreaders; Portal
Usenet Install Tool; Usenet Installation documentation.
- THE ONE-BOX SOLUTION
Usenet Toolkit, plus a Pre-configured Telebit WorldBlazer modem and
cable; a one month support contract (telephone visits or telephone
support during normal business hours); and the first month charge.
- DEMAND CALLING
Portal calls your machine to deliver mail and news only when there is
something on Portal to be delivered to your machine. The charge is
20% above telephone costs. If you would like to be polled, please
specify the times:
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
- POLLING
Portal calls your machine to see if you have outgoing mail or news to
be sent to Portal. This is mainly useful for machines that cannot make
outgoing calls. The charge is 20% above telephone costs. If you would
like to be polled, please specify the times:
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
- SUPPORT CONTRACT
Portal support, plus a discount on additional support services.
____ month-to-month
____ six month prepaid
____ one year prepaid
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Portal provides additional communications services that may be useful:
- THE PORTAL SHELL
Unix shell access to our computers, including Internet tools like
ftp, irc and telnet, the Portal Archive, newsreaders, and more. Many
users use the Portal Shell to browse our Archive and the Internet to
find public domain software and information, then transfer it to
their computer using UUCP.
- THE PORTAL ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
A menu-driven, easy-to-use system with similar capabilities as the
Shell, but with a much different user interface. This is more useful
for users who are less experienced with the UNIX operating system.
PAYMENT AGREEMENT/METHOD
Many companies and organizations require a purchase order to
process requests for payments. Others do not require a P.O.
_____ My organization requires purchase orders. I have attached a printed copy
of the P.O. (or will mail via U.S. Mail)
P.O. #: _______________
_____ My signature is sufficient to guarantee payment.
Signature: _____________________________________
Name: __________________________________________
Title: _________________________________________
Date: ________________________________
_____ I wish to have my VISA or MASTERCARD credit card billed.
Credit Card - VISA or MASTERCARD: __________________________
Credit Card #: _____________________________________________
Expiration Date: ____________________
Name on credit card: _______________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________
Date: ________________________________
Terms and Pricing
We support a number of different payment options, including prepaid
(you pay in advance for the time you will use), credit card (Visa or
Mastercard), and invoice.
C...@portal.com (Email)
408 725-1580 (FAX)
408 973-9111 (voice)
Portal Communications Company
20863 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite #200
Cupertino, CA 95014
-= Max =-
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The ideal home computer is a network.