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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy your software?
Virtual U Systems is a bundled software and hosting service. We are an internet Application Service Provider, or ASP, which means you can use our Virtual U Systems software and service through the internet. We configure the system to support your business needs and merge it with your existing web site. Hosting your Virtual U system with us is like leasing a software license; you can use our system for as long as you host with us.
I already have a web site. Do I have to move it?
Although you must host at least one domain and your Virtual U System components (e.g. your registration pages, your faculty bios) and at least one domain name on our servers for your Virtual U System to function properly, you may continue to host the remainder of your web site(s) with your current hosting company. We use the design of your existing web site, so the transition between the rest of your site and your Virtual U enabled pages is seamless. Most visitors won't even know they've changed servers.
I don't have a web site yet. Can you help me?
If you are starting from scratch you have several options. You can have someone create your site and then come to us to add the Virtual U portion, or you can work with our sister company WebValence to design the whole thing at once. WebValence can help you through the entire process, from brainstorming your domain name and the "look and feel" of your site, to handing you a half-dozen custom created designs for you to choose from, to helping maintain your site once it has launched.
I'm just starting my business. I am thinking of offering workshops as my marketing method. What do you suggest?
This is a business model that others have used with great success. If you have experience that suggests you are an attractive training presence, this will likely work for you.
We have some Virtual U customers who are just starting out, but know that their business will eventually "grow into" a group of offerings. We have other customers who choose to have a simpler site designed and hosted by WebValence and then add components like secure registration as their needs grow. We're happy to help you sort through your options.
When people sign up for classes, can they pay by credit card?
Yes. With your credit card merchant account, you may run credit card charges at your office or the payments may be collected in real time via an online processing service. Most of our customers use an online processing service (gateway) to process registrations in real time. We presently support: AuthorizeNet, ECX and Iongate.
Does Virtual U Systems only work with teleclasses, or does it work for live events as well?
No. Virtual U Systems is a more general networking tool that can be used with conferences, teleclasses, live courses, workshops, and even training that requires no instructor. The property that relates all these different modalities is that customers register and optionally pay for one or more training offerings. The system remembers both the customer and their selected training event for future use.
Are you affiliated with any other companies?
Yes. We own WebValence, a Internet Presence Provider that helps coaches, consultants, educators and small business owners with web sites, electronic newsletters, email services, and e-commerce design and hosting. We also own Telebridge Teleconferencing, which offers affordable teleconferencing services for groups of up to 150 people and features a convenient online reservation system. Discount telebridge services are available with your Virtual University package.