Let me be frank about my ideas on Information Technology, and how it serves the interests of each succeeding generation. As I understand, Information Technology and Internet complement each other to make our lives simple and better. The former has its origins in electronics, the later is more an adaptation of information technology to bring about radical changes in communication technology.
Information technology is too broad a term, that includes software, hardware, custom application development, web development, CMS and much more. Internet or what we call as world wide web is a well known defence application, owes its origins to the advances made in information technology, and adapted for civilian use. It is now the only medium in the world that provides 24/7 access to information, irrespective of any geographical or time limitations.
Internet has facilitated the conduct of online business, which came to be called as E-Commerce. We have now service providers for E-Commerce, that help clients with online stores, shopping cart, streamlined maintenance, automated payment processing, multiple web stores, complete gift registry support, and a range of flexible discounting and promotions.
Also, the online domain has witnessed rapid strides in terms of development of online applications, that ensure greater user interface, and convenience of use anywhere. The software developers have brought about greater interface between buyers and sellers, service providers and end-users, businesses and customers. The chat, messenger, Skype, intranet and other online communication tools have been developed for facilitating basic communication, online.
The benefits and saving gained in using the VoIP phone, itself stand testimony to the inordinate benefits we can gain by interfacing electronics and telecommmunications with online tools. These simple online communication tools mean great savings on time and energy, and help in overcoming the limitations of geography and space.
In the days of economic slow-down, we find increasing competition between the once collaborating partners. The traditional business stakeholders find themselves as rivals in reaching markets and winning customers. Now, we find a trend where the manufacturers are bypassing the distribution channels to reach out directly to the customers, online. So, for manufacturers and retailers the online interface is not just for visibility or branding, but it is for winning customers, and sustaining the repeat customers.
These are the days of EVP – Emotional Value Proposition, a business’ survival and continuity depends on how well its onpage content reflects EVP, and how for social media is adhered with to gain and win customers, and move them towards loyalty. Online medium has emerged to the challenge of change, and the social networking sites like Orkut, Twitter and Facebook validate how global businesses are adhering to EVP not for the sake of profits or revenues but for the sake of winning customers loyalty over a long period of time.
Teams win, individuals don’t seems to be the maxim that underlies all concerted efforts of online marketing managers to consolidate businesses, provide visibility and win customers loyalty and confidence in the company’s offer of products and services. We have to work together more closely then ever, more importantly this becomes all the more needful especially in times of crises.
It is only common understanding of the business process, and customer’s interests that will keep businesses afloat. Training and proper documentation of the processes will leave no scope for confusion between the service provider and the affiliates. Providing the right inputs and materials to the customers is itself the first guarantee to make the customer to choose the offer.
Blogs And Social Networking Sites