The benefits of the secure, stable and scalable online infrastructure with underpins the e-commerce initiatives of large corporates, is now within reach of budget-strapped and technologically stretched small and medium enterprises.
This follows the launch by IS (The Internet Solution) of StoreBuilder, a comprehensive e-commerce solution which enables businesses of all sizes to quickly and cost-effectively build their e-commerce enabled Website, incorporating full transaction facilities with the capacity to accept payment via either Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Diners without having to purchase and install any additional software.
And as a first-tier Internet Service Provider, IS ensures e-tailers obtain the bandwidth advantages and inherent economies of scale of being in a large community.
"Developed on the Microsoft Site Server Commerce edition platform, IS StoreBuilder solution offers e-tailers absolutely everything they need for online commerce from creating a website to dealing with technical complexities like security, server management, Internet connectivity, the backend relationship with an acquiring bank and server support," says IS transaction product manager, Brian Michaels.
"StoreBuilder also gives e-tailers the ability to change the look and feel of their website, or its content, as often as they choose. They can also set up `specials` with start and end date parameters, incorporate sophisticated search functions to enable customers to find exactly what they are looking for on their site, and even facilitate cross-selling opportunities.
"Most importantly, IS`s stable infrastructure allows SMEs to leverage an industry-strength online trading infrastructure - and its security - without the start-up costs or technical difficulties involved in buying their own hosting and transaction processing resources," he adds.
The StoreBuilder Website (www.storebuilder.co.za) provides a variety of demo stores which offer guidelines on how to create a functional website. It also allows the merchant to register the virtual store`s unique domain name, and to apply - online - for an e-commerce merchant licence from one of SA`s leading financial institutions.
Once registered, merchants have the option of selecting one of several themes and templates as the backdrop to their online store. These templates can be customised to create a unique looking Website which can be organised into `departments` or product categories.
"Merchants can include a variety of features in the site including allowing customers to register at different points in the shopping process. This registration offers e-tailers a facility to personalise the site and to track frequent visits by consumers in order to understand their buying trends.
"Any merchant who can use a standard Web browser, and can afford a flat monthly `rental` charge of R1 000 a month - IS does not take a percentage of the value of transactions concluded on the site - can become an e-tailer, " Michael concludes.
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IS (The Internet Solution)
IS (The Internet Solution) is the e-business infrastructure subsidiary of London-listed Dimension Data Holdings plc. The company provides value-added and Internet services previously offered independently by The Internet Solution and OmniLink. The OmniLink switched backbone network, is maintained separately under the OmniLink banner.
The combination of value-added services, based around the company`s rich electronic business infrastructure, enables IS to offer SA businesses of all sizes a fully managed and completely redundant foundation for their e-business applications.