CommNet Offers Simple CRM for SMEs

• Wednesday, 02 August 2006

CommNet Appoints Really Simple Systems to Simplify Low-cost, Effective CRM Systems for Small & Medium Size Enterprises

2nd August, 2006, London, UK. CommNet, a European business network for small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s), has just appointed Really Simple Systems as their strategic partner to offer an outsourced, web-hosted Customer Relationship Management service to its 2.3 million global members. There is no need for CommNet’s members to worry about IT infrastructure or installation, all they need is a username and password to log on. This new option means members can access sales and marketing support services quickly and effectively.

This is especially helpful since many small enterprises understand the benefits of using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to market their business, but do not have the skills to install it themselves, nor the budget to have an IT specialist maintain it on their own system. Really Simple Systems has simplified the user interface, making their products intuitive and easy to use.

Aimed specifically at the SME market, this CRM system is functional rather than having the complex design of more expensive competitor products One key advantage is that it partners with the Google calendar so scheduled tasks are immediately added to your existing diary.

This hosted CRM solution is much faster than near rivals with an average page delivery speed of 0.4 second , compared to an industry average of 1.3 seconds. Costing just £35 per user, per month, it offers value for money compared to £50 or more for near alternatives. Furthermore, if large amounts of data need to be stored, it may mean SME’s can use less powerful computers in-house.

CommNet is an online marketing platform and business directory representing a membership organisation and offline network called BVMW with 56,000 SME members worldwide. CommNet is passionate about creating business opportunities and helping small businesses grow profitably. Managing Director Andreas Schutte says ‘Small and Medium size Enterprises are the backbone of most global economies so we are building a networked community designed to encourage profitable business among all members. Organisations such as Chambers of Commerce, Business Link and the Federation of Small Businesses give advice, whereas we offer a direct online marketplace.’ He adds ‘Our members know they can benefit from CRM technology but are often put off by the effort in getting such systems to work. We chose Really Simple Systems to be our CRM partner because of their focus on ease of use and technical simplicity.’

John Paterson, CEO of Really Simple Systems added ‘CommNet is focused on helping companies grow their sales and marketing, and a proper CRM system is vital for that to succeed. We will be working with CommNet’s other partners to ensure that CommNet members get the full systems and support that they need.’

CommNet already partners with a lead generation company called Phone Intelligence and a telephone answering service for SME’s called Verbatim. CommNet will be introducing a range of improved support services for SME’s in the next six months such as a tendering system based on reverse bidding, business clinics and interest groups.
For further details call 0845 003 9463 or see www.commnet.org.uk

BVMW is the German Association of SME’s with 56,000 members worldwide. The president, Mario Ohoven also chairs the European organization CEA (Confédération Européene des Associations de Petites et Moyenne Entreprises). BVMW (Bundesverband Mittelständische Wirtschaft) is expanding its global presence rapidly and in the last few months has established branches in the UK, China, South Africa, Japan, Brazil and Turkey. Both BVMW and CommNet focus on supporting SME’s operating globally.

- ends -

For further information, hi-res jpegs or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Rhona Jack MCIPR
Blue Click PR Ltd.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1666 511781
Mobile: +44 (0) 7866 546221
Email: rhona@blueclickpr.com

CommNet
Andreas Schutte
President
Telephone: +44 (0)845 003 9463
Email : info@commnet.org.uk

Really Simple Systems
John Paterson
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: +44 (0)870 383 1247
Email: ask@reallysimplesystems.com

About CommNet

SMEs are the backbone of economies around the globe. Recognizing the critical importance of SMEs to the world's economy CommNet is creating and building a networked community for SMEs in the UK, Europe and worldwide. The platform is designed to encourage, generate and increase profitable business among its members.
It is part of the German Association of SME’s called BVMW with 56,000 German members, many of whom are interested in cross-border trade.

www.commnet.org.uk

About Really Simple Systems

Really Simple Systems Hosted CRM is aimed at small and medium sized organisations with between 5 and 50 sales people who want a straightforward hosted CRM system. The hosted model is particularly suitable companies with multiple locations and sales people who work remotely or at home. The complete system is available for a simple monthly fee of £35 per user. Users include the Royal Academy of Arts and the British Library as well as many small and medium sized companies.

www.reallysimplesystems.com

This press release was distributed via SourceWire, a service from Daryl Willcox Publishing, on behalf of Blue Click PR Limited. For more information visit http://www.dwpub.com/pressreleasewires