XMission
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
XMission was the first independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Utah, United States, founded in late 1993 by Pete Ashdown. XMission has had a loyal base of users over the years, including a large portion of those involved in Utah's computer and Internet industry, even if they work for a competing company. For this and similar reasons, people who move will hold onto their XMission accounts to retain an xmission.com email address.
Founded before the World Wide Web had established a presence on the Internet, when most people had not yet even heard of it yet, XMission established itself from the beginning as a computer savvy ISP. In the early years, Ashdown was also the company's main Systems Administrator rather than a businessman who wanted to jump on the Internet bandwagon. His expertise not only helped him make decisions that helped the company survive when the dot com bubble burst but also attracted talented administrators and technicians over the years.
Many consider XMission a good citizen as it provides free accounts to hundreds of non-profit organizations regardless of political affiliation and sponsors many events, including the Utah Arts Festival and the Twilight Concert Series. Starting in 2003, the company began providing free wireless in public libraries and some local businesses. By the Summer of 2005, XMission worked out an agreement with Salt Lake City government to expand free wireless to many parts of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Details at Salt Lake City's [1] web site.
One of very few independent ISPs left in Utah, XMission completed a Data Center in April of 2001, where they provide colocation services. During the grand opening, they hosted a LAN party that hundreds attended to play games and/or install the Linux operating system.
The Best Page in the Universe is hosted on XMission.
