Dimension Data Protocol makes investment in interactive communications company

Protocol Venture Capital, a division of global network services and interactive commerce (i-Commerce) group, Dimension Data, is set to take a 20% stake in Shift Interactive Communication, a company specialising in the development of media-rich, intuitive applications for e-commerce.

The deal, effective immediately subject to Competition Board approval, complements the Group`s i-Commerce operations. Dimension Data will appoint two directors to the Shift board.

Comments Dimension Data`s Group marketing and strategy director, Richard Came, "The technology provided by Shift, enables Dimension Data to offer yet another customer facing technology channel in its solution offering. Most suppliers to the e-commerce industry are myopically focused upon the Internet channel, resulting in other channels such as voice, email and self-service technology not being accorded focus in keeping with their importance. Our customers all use multiple, integrated technology channels, and being able to support all of these channels is fast becoming a ticket to the game."

Established three years ago, Shift conceptualises and develops broadband self-service solutions for organisations with specific application requirements in the marketing communication, CRM (customer relationship management), customer retention, loyalty and e-commerce arenas.

The company, will continue to be managed by its four founding directors Michael Earl, Vaughn Botha, Peter Muller and Richard Korck, It is primarily focused on producing high quality interactive media for companies requiring touchscreen kiosks and self-service applications to supply product, services, transactions and research data to end-users. Shift`s current offerings focus on the mobile phone, banking, automotive, entertainment and retail sectors. Its customers include MTN, Vodacom, Nedbank, Nissan and Telkom. It is also involved in retail operations overseas.

According to Protocol MD Angus MacRobert, Shift is well positioned to deliver media-rich broadband applications through numerous digital mediums not currently constrained by the lack of bandwidth. The self-service market in SA and globally is in its infancy and has not nearly reached its full potential. This is largely because the technology has not been driven by people with expertise in creating rich media through the use of audio visual content and easy-to-use, zero-learning curve applications," he explains. "Globally the self-service market is expected to grow exponentially, and Shift is in a strong position to share in this growth".

"While this can be considered a `next generation` investment for Dimension Data, Shift technology will hopefully open up and simplify new communication channels for Group customers." he explains.

Shift non-executive chairman, Richard Bruyns, says the company had received numerous approaches from potential partners. As a multi-channel integrator with a vast global network, Dimension Data was a natural fit for Shift.

Bruyns adds that there`s valuable synergy between Dimension Data and Shift in that Shift`s customers - and Shift itself - require networks, connectivity and hosting. Shift`s applications play an important role in CRM and "bricks-and mortar" e-commerce which, when used remotely, can integrate into call centres, both arenas in which Dimension Data is actively involved.

"Shift is positioned at the core of digital convergence and its ability to create the customer interface, the media content as well as the software applications makes it a strong player both locally and abroad" says Shift marketing director Richard Korck "Dimension Data will give us immediate access to its large local and international client base, as well as its networking and technology expertise. Strong interest has already been shown in Shift`s offerings by Dimension Data customers and we are confident that our association with the Group will expedite our overseas thrust" Korck concludes.