Receiving over 3,000,000 hits a month and delivering some 14 000 audio streams over thirty days, 5fm (http://www.5fm.co.za) has taken to cyberspace like a duck to water. Reaching millions more listeners through live audio streaming, 5fm has opened up the local music industry to the world and in effect created a new target audience for South Africa`s premier music radio station.
Extending the customer relationship management (CRM) concept beyond the conventional, 5fm has developed a site that enables listeners to get involved in the radio station in a way not yet done before.
"The days of a passive radio audience are over. As the first radio station in South Africa with live Internet streaming audio, we now have dedicated listeners from around the world", said Steve Smith from 5fm. "The station has a huge following as a result of the success of the Microsoft-based solution, which is used to drive the site."
Sacnet, a local solutions provider implemented the Microsoft solution, which included Microsoft Windows Media Player and Microsoft Windows Media Server technologies. Says Jos Lalieu from Sacnet: "For a project as big as this one, product reliability is key, which is why we decided on a Microsoft platform. Microsoft Exchange processes as many as 6 000 fan e-mails to the station daily. Communicating with its listeners has taken on an new interactive dimension and with an efficient e-mail solution, 5fm can stay in contact with its listeners."
"The ease of use, scalability and the rapid deployment capabilities of Windows Media allowed Sacnet to develop a solution for 5fm which allows the station to reach an audience that is increasingly embracing the Internet and spending more time online," says Cyril Belikoff, business development manager at Microsoft SA. "5fm`s listeners are taking on cyberspace and are looking for the full interactive experience when they are online. Web sites offering this new generation of Web surfers this kind of interaction, are set to draw the crowds in the future."
Microsoft products used in the 5fm solution:
Microsoft NT 4
Microsoft IIS /4.0
Microsoft SQL Server 7.0
Microsoft Windows Media Player
Microsoft Windows Media Server
Microsoft IE.5
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Sacnet
SACNET is a specialised Internet Service Provider, offering full web hosting and design solutions. Sacnet are also the authorised distributors of ZyXEL Modems, SACNET provides full sales and service facilities.
5FM
5FM is a national contemporary hit radio station, broadcasting nationwide. The station aims to capture the attention of modern affluent customers with up-market, trendy music programmes.
Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use; each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. Microsoft South Africa was launched in January 1993 in Johannesburg and now has sales offices in Durban and Cape Town.