Nowadays you can't open a newspaper, watch television or even go to a cafe without bumping into the
Internet. The latest surveys show that there are over 20 million hosts (such as www.totally.co.uk)
on-line. This number has roughly doubled each year since 1991, thanks to a surge in interest by businesses
world-wide.
The first examples of business web-sites provided simple information sharing, such as a company brochure or
catalogue in electronic format. Over the few years, however, many organisations have realised that the true
power of the internet lies in its ability to extend their key business systems directly onto a customer or user's
desktop. Everything from order-entry systems, to stock level enquiries, and immediate quotation systems are
undergoing Internet or intranet migration.
Every day, thousands of companies are using the Internet as a
new medium for conducting business. It will become the single
most important communication tool of the 21st Century.
Due to the fact you have found us on the Web shows you already consider the Web to be
a source of useful and timely information. Here are a few others thoughts...
Electronic Commerce
Whatever statistics you choose to consult, there can be little doubt that the e-commerce revolution has arrived, with 70% of all companies
anticipating trading over the Web within two years. It is the fastest-growing consumer technology ever created, presenting the biggest opportunity for businesses this century,
with improved productivity, reduced sales and marketing costs, new channels to market and more profit being the ultimate goals.
Value For Money Advertising
We know how much traditional advertising costs, especially considering the low number
of viewers per £ invested. The Web allows you to provide far more information to
far more people for far fewer £'s.
Promote Your Organisation Nationally and Internationally
In addition to being value for money, the Web is global and presents your products
to potential clients both Nationally and Internationally for no extra cost.
Provide a 24 Hour Service
Whether you are selling products over the Web, providing information or
requesting customer feedback, you are open for business whenever your clients
require; 24 hours a day.
To Reach a Specialised Market
It may be that your product or skill is very specialised and should be aimed at
a very specific market. The powerful searching capabilities of the Web allow
clients to quickly target your services.
To Provide Interaction and Personalised Information
This can take many forms:
- Providing a Frequently Asked Questions section
may save your customers time ringing your telephone helpline.
- Requesting customer feedback on a particular feature or your services in general.
- Providing specific information based on the client's search criteria or
calculating loan repayments or parcel delivery tracking.
To Improve Inter-Office Communication
Targeted towards company internal (Intranet & Extranet) systems. Company news,
sales targets, progress reports and personal achievements are an obvious
starting point. Interaction with suppliers, distributors and remote offices are
all possible across the Web.
With the introduction of Java, Active Server Pages and
products like Cold Fusion, "real" software applications can be developed using the
Internet as a free global network. Higher levels of data encryption also allow
confidental data to be transmitted within most company's information security
guidelines.