Why SMEs should put up their own websites

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which presently comprise almost 90 percent of the domestic business sector, should strengthen their use of information technology tools to command loyalty among their existing customers and to further expand their client base.

Think IT and go places, said leading Web development firm WebFocus Solutions Inc. and its sister company, ServoBox Hosting Company.

The best way to start the journey is by installing one’s own website. According to Barnaby Chong, CEO and president of WebFocus Solutions, most SMEs are not aware that such an investment need not be expensive.

"There are a lot of affordable Web development and Web-hosting packages to choose from. That small amount of investment, which can range for as low as P6,500 a year, is nothing compared with the immense benefits that the business can enjoy out of putting up its own website" said Chong.

The website, added Chong, is the cheapest form of advertising and marketing the business.

The Internet presence is also tantamount to having a 24/7 office. The website allows customers to access valuable information and post their inquiries about the company, including its products and services.

Looking at the intangible benefit, a website also boosts the image of a company. "Image is important. If you have your own website, it means you’re in touch with the changing times and is serious in reaching out to your customers," Chong said.

The website, of course, should serve its purpose by being visible and accessible all the time. This responsibility now goes to the Web-hosting service provider.

WebFocus Solutions, being the pioneer in the local Web development industry, clearly understands the importance of uninterrupted connectivity and visibility online, hence, it introduced ServoBox to provide the market with a reliable service provider.

Ryan Yu, chief technology officer of ServoBox, said there are three basic factors that the company should consider in choosing its Web-hosting service provider.

"The ideal Web-hosting provider should guarantee reliable uptime or uninterrupted Internet connection, speed of access, and round-the-clock technical support to the customer," Yu said.

ServoBox takes pride in its alliance with a leading hosting solutions provider in the United States, which allows its clients to enjoy 99.9 percent uptime, and fast connectivity, among other benefits.

"We make sure that our clients get their money’s worth. We believe that if we provide poor service, it is not just our business that’s affected, but also that of our clients," Yu said.

Like its sister company Webfocus Solutions, ServoBox offers affordable packages to its customers.

"Our basic package is only P542 per month which is already inclusive of 20 e-mail accounts and 500 MB with control panel, among other perks," Yu said.

For more information, log on to www.webfocus.ph and www.servobox.com