SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It is an emerging standard developed by Netscape Communications to transfer information securely across the Internet. SSL will enable your customer's browser to connect to your web site and transparently negotiate a secure communication channel. Once this connection has been made, information, like credit card numbers, can be exchanged securely.

Please note that SSL does not include software to process credit card transactions. Although you can securely receive credit card information through SSL, actual processing of the credit card will require a "Merchant Account" from an accredited financial institution.

In fact, many of todays gateway companies allow you to use their Secure Certificate as part of the deal. These companies include Itransact.com and Authorize.net.

However, if you still need to have your own Secure Certificate because you already have a merchant account (i.e., are already accepting credit cards at your place of business), and want to key in your orders manually, or process them some other way, OCC/VSG Hosting.offers you the ability to purchase your Secure Certificate within you control panel, - Just click certificate, enter a usename and password, then just fill in the information - your certificate will be emailed to you.

or
You can Purchase one on your own

Verisign.com
Although VeriSign owns Thawte.com, and Network Solutions (InterNIC), they have the most expensive option. A Secure Certificate from them will cost you a hefty $349.00 a year.

Thawte.com
Who knows how long this will last, because Thawte was bought out by VeriSign recently; prices are still only $125.00 a year.

Equifaxsecure.com
A new provider in the Secure Certificate business, Equifax provides good value with their annual fee of $99.00.

Once you've decided on whether or not you even need a Secure Certificate and which company you're going to use, the next step is to generate what these certificate companies call a CSR, or Certificate Signing Request. - contact OCC support if you need assistance.