internet strategies

The role of the company website has evolved considerably since the boom and bust of the dot.com bubble of the late 1990s. Two principal axes of development and consolidation can be identified, in particular as regards SMEs:

• the needs-driven and dynamic nature of the medium as point of contact for clients and prospects
• the marriage of functionality and cross-browser compatibility with clear, professional design.

Whether a direct source of revenue or a shop window for the services you provide, the website is increasingly the first contact you have with potential clients. The website should therefore convey a sense of professionalism and clarity of purpose to reinforce your company credibility from the outset.

Likewise, many forward-thinking SMEs are using an intranet to communicate much information internally. As with any successful company communication structure, this is a two-way process allowing management, office staff and employees to keep up to date with all manner of information, particularly when used in tandem with database technology.

Extranet implementation takes this concept a step further, allowing companies to communicate with clients, suppliers and others having preferred access. An extranet is essentially an intranet with extended access but can also take the form of a secure area on your company website.