As an add-on feature, BWSD offers SSL (secure sockets layer), frequently referred to as "Netscape" compatible encryption. This allows a browser to communicate with your Virtual Server in a secure SSL encrypted session. It is often used to securely transfer credit card numbers and other sensitive information.

There is a one time $50 setup fee for installing SSL on a Virtual Server. This setup charge is different from the setup required for ordering a new Virtual Server. There is no monthly fee for SSL. Resellers who wish to use SSL on their Servers should consider purchasing a digital certificate from either VeriSign or Thawte (see questions 7.6-7.11).

Yes. SSL can be added at any time to a Virtual or Dedicated Server. To do this simply email serviceNoSpamForMe@web-design.net and request SSL be added to your server.

SSL can generally be added to a Virtual Server the same day it is ordered. Initially the BWSD digital certificate will be used as the default certificate for the secure server. When you access the secure server, the URL you will use will be:

https://your-login-name.securesites.com/

Where you would replace "your-login-name" with your virtual server login name. If you decide to order your own digital certificate, then you would then be able to access your secure server (after the certificate has been installed) using the URL:

https://www.your-domain.name/

If you do not mind accessing your secure server using the "securesites.com" URL, then it is not necessary to purchase your own digital certificate.

In order to establish an encrypted web session on your Virtual Server you simply need to change the prefix of any URL to read "https://" instead of "http://". When you establish a secure session with your web site, your web browser will indicate this by showing a blue key (Netscape) or a closed lock (MSIE) in the bottom of your browser.

The Internet uses a digital certificate to prove a web site owner's authenticity. The digital certificate establishes a legal relationship between a legitimate company and their web site. For example, if you go to Novell's web page and check the signature on their digital certificate it cryptographically indicates that the site is authorized by Novell (or by the company whose signature is actually on the digital certificate). Full information about digital certificates and how to apply for a digital certificate can be obtained by accessing the following URL- http://www.web-design.net/servers/extensions/ssl/

Any signed digital certificate can be supported by the BWSD AW Virtual Server software. However, you should be aware that most browsers by default only support certificates signed by a limited number of agencies, namely Verisign, Thawte, and others. Typically older browsers, v2.x or previous, only support certificates signed by Verisign, AT&T, and a few others. Newer browsers allow for greater flexibility in recognizing signing agencies such as allowing a client to add any signing agency as a recognized vendor of digital certificates.

A Verisign certificate for a company located in the United States can be set up for $349, with a $249 per year renewal ($449 and $349 respectively for International companies) For more information about VeriSign, see their web site at http://www.verisign.com/. A Thawte certificate can be obtained for $125, with renewal cost of $75 per year. For more information about Thawte signed certificates, please see their web site at http://www.thawte.com/.

No, only one digital certificate can be installed on a Virtual Server. Therefore, if you are intending to obtain a digital certificate for a site that is a Virtual Host of a Virtual Server, you would only be able to install it if no other certificates had been installed on that Virtual Server. For more information about Virtual Hosting please our web page at http://www.web-design.net/virtpart.html.

A detailed explanation about ordering a digital certificate can be found at http://www.web-design.net/servers/extensions/ssl/certificates.html.