Interland Launches Business Solutions Platinum, Breaking Barriers That Keep Small Businesses From Online Success
21 November 2003
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2003-- Interland (Nasdaq: INLD), the leading provider of Web hosting and online services for small and medium-sized businesses, today launched Business Solutions - Platinum. For $95 a month, the new combined service and feature-rich product helps small businesses establish an effective online presence by breaking through the most challenging barriers confronting small businesses - time, knowledge and money.
For a $95 set-up fee and $95 a month, Platinum customers get a custom designed Web site specifically tailored to their needs with the ability to update, manage and market their site on an ongoing basis. In addition, Interland provides 24x7 coaching and support so that companies can grow their business by using Platinum's suite of tools to market their products and services, enable online transactions, and interact with customers and prospects.
Everyday, more and more of the 20 million U.S. small businesses recognize they need to get their companies online. However, they quickly realize that to achieve online success they need help developing an effective site, executing online marketing programs, and creating e-commerce selling opportunities. In fact, a recent study by Interland shows that 80 percent of all small business owners want professional help creating their online presence.
"A growing number of small business owners believe an effective online presence can benefit their company, yet they wrestle with the constraints of time, skill and money," said Don Bulens, Interland's senior vice president of mainstream market. "Platinum was built from the ground up to offer these business owners a professionally designed Web site that is easy to update and is supported by a knowledgeable staff of advisors - a solution that would cost thousands of dollars elsewhere."
After extensive research, product development and market trials, Interland determined that simply giving small businesses a "do it yourself" solution like other providers does not help small business owners establish the valuable online presence they are looking to build and won't deliver the results small businesses expect. As a result, Interland created a new "do it with you" solution in its Platinum offering.
"Interland recognizes that small and medium-sized businesses need affordable, easy-to-use, easy-to-setup tools to be successful online. However, in most cases, even with great tools, many small businesses lack guidance and advice from Web experts to build and maintain an effective Web site," said Helen Chan, senior analyst of small and medium business strategies at the Yankee Group. "Interland's Platinum offering provides these businesses with access to a team of experienced Web professionals who will build their Web presence and then continue to coach the small business user by providing tips and best practices on how to maintain and leverage an effective online presence."
Interland research shows that an effective online presence is much more than just having a Web site. Even companies with fewer than 10 employees know the Internet offers more than just online selling opportunities. In fact, when Interland asked small businesses what their online needs were:
-- 94 percent said they wanted to generate new leads and customers
-- 78 percent wish to market to existing customers
-- 71 percent hope to share company information
-- 68 percent plan to provide service for customers
"We've surveyed thousands of small businesses and overwhelmingly they say they want to acquire and interact with customers online," said Bulens. "Very few plan to become the next global online selling giant. However, nearly all expect to benefit from the ability to market to and interact with customers online."
Features available with today's release of Platinum include:
-- A custom-designed 10 page Web site with a professional look and feel;
-- Several e-commerce capabilities including E-Store Builder, a store front creation tool that lets companies sell products and services online with seamless integration with online shopping carts, secure payment processing and other e-commerce tools;
-- Search Engine Manager, which lets users easily submit their Web site to top search engines;
-- E-Mail Marketer, which helps users generate revenue and strengthen customer relationships through e-newsletters, online coupons and e-mail marketing;
-- Business forms to gather customer and prospect information;
-- Password/membership controls for Web site visitor access and customer records storage;
-- An online gift certificate manager and Web coupon builder;
-- A free domain name for two years, business e-mail with up to 50 mailboxes and hosting services.
Visit www.interland.com/platinum for complete information about Interland's Platinum offering and other services designed to help small businesses succeed online.
About InterlandInterland, Inc. (Nasdaq: INLD) is a leading Web hosting and online services company dedicated to helping small and medium businesses achieve success by providing the knowledge, services and tools to build, manage and promote businesses online. Interland offers a wide selection of online services, including standardized Web hosting, e-commerce, application hosting, and Web site development, marketing and optimization tools. For more information about Interland, please visit www.interland.com.
