As an add-on feature, we offer 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 setup/license 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. You will also need to obtain a digital certificate for your company/web site. Digital Certificates can be purchased from either VeriSign or Thawte.

Yes. SSL can be added at any time to your Virtual Server. To add SSL you just need to send a request to the Order Processing department. We do however suggest that you wait until you have obtained a Digital Certificate before adding SSL as you need the Certificate to be installed in order to use SSL.

SSL can generally be added to a Virtual Server the same day it is ordered. Initially the Digital Daze wildcard certificate will be used as the default certificate for the secure server. If you choose to use the Digital Daze wildcard certificate instead of obtaining your own certificate, you would access your secure server using the URL:

    https://your-cname.securenow.com/

Where you would replace "your-cname" with your assigned securenow.com CNAME. If you decide to order your own digital certificate, then you would 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 "securenow.com" URL, then it is not necessary to purchase your own digital certificate. Instead, all that you will need to obtain is a CNAME DNS record for the securenow.com URL. The standard one-time CNAME setup fee still applies.

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 Microsoft's web site and check the signature on their digital certificate it cryptographically indicates that the site is authorized by Microsoft (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 is available in our Digital Certificates informational document.

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. In a case like this, we would suggest you obtain a "generic" wildcard certificate from Thawte and have each of your virtually hosted clients share it.

A detailed explanation about ordering a digital certificate is available in our Digital Certificates informational document.