Veteran, 10-year old, Singapore-based software company launches an innovative and cost-effective solution for boosting any Web site's visits and transactions.

Singapore-based software company, RealSoft Pte. Ltd. recently launched a proprietary Web-based client-server solution for helping Web sites with brand-building and marketing on the Internet. The solution focuses on providing high value to the client PC users in relation to the targeted Web site. The company offers a very affordable and flexible pricing scheme for the Web site owner.

SINGAPORE (PRWEB) July 6, 2003 -- Realsoft Pte. Ltd. founded in 1993 has recently released a showcase version of Quick Access for www.lexis-nexis.com (Lexis-Nexis), a premier information and research portal in the U.S.A. Quick Access is RealSoft's flagship Web-based client-server solution for Internet brand-building and marketing.

"Nearly all Internet brand-building and marketing solutions are purely server-delivered to the client Web browsers. This poses a serious limitation for the Web site because it is totally dependent on the client user's personal initiative to visit the site. On the other hand, this also poses a number of inconveniences for the user, most notably the need for the user to be constantly aware of the Web site, then explicitly negotiate entry into the desired pages of the site," observed RealSoft's managing director, Gerard Chew.

Mr. Chew then went on to point out that, "With our Quick Access solution, we overcome these drawbacks by including the entire client computer in the delivery process, not just the Web browser. This way, we tap the full potential of the Web's distributed client-server architecture for a much smoother interaction between a Web site and its user. One simple example is to allow direct entry from the PC desktop to the various pages deemed important by the sites owner. There is absolutely no need to (always) start from the home page."

What makes Quick Access tick and deliver on its promises? In a nutshell, the Quick Access solution comprises 2 software components that work in tight unison. One component resides on the client PC, and the other on the server computer of the Web site whose owner is interested in increasing visits from users, and transactions too if the site has transactional functions, especially purchasing and payment. The client software is distributed in ways depending on the customers requirement and in conjunction with RealSofts recommended policy for proper distribution.

"Our value chain is easy to understand - if we make it (even more) convenient, interesting and effortless for the user to experience a Web site, then that site is likely to get more user activity. Of course, this assumes that the site itself is already properly developed in line with its owner's objectives. Quick Access focuses on the 'getting there' process, but once there, it is up to the site itself to keep the user engaged. The number one job of Quick Access is to propel, as opposed to compel, users toward our customers Web site," continued Mr. Chew.

From our experience, nearly all Web site owners are sensitive of their sites reputation, and we really discourage the very few customers who want the use of compel methods to force users to come their sites," emphasized Mr. Chew. A notorious compel method is to automatically run a software such as a Java applet when the user moves the mouse cursor unsuspectingly over an innocent-looking graphic or text on certain well-promoted Web pages. The software surreptitiously changes the users Web browser settings to then bring the user to the desired Web site every time the browser starts up.

Mr. Chew expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such compel methods for almost any Web-enabled business and concluded, That is not how you attract users to a Web site. More often than not, users are annoyed by being compelled to visit a Web site, and therefore the effect is very likely to be adverse for that sites image and brand-building."

According to James Kumaran, RealSoft's head consultant for Web solutions, there are at least 5 key areas in which Quick Access helps propel users toward a targeted Web site. Each area is designed to facilitate and enhance the use of the Web site. From the PC users perspective, the 5 key areas are:
1. Increase awareness of the Web sites brand and presence
2. Reach targeted pages of the Web site conveniently
3. Receive relevant information from the Web site in real-time
4. Manage easily, any desirable content from the Web site, and other related sites
5. Transact efficiently on the Web site

How is the Quick Access solution deployed in a typical business situation? From the PC users perspective, simple: download the client software from any designated Web site or run from a given CD to install and use. Online registration is necessary for each user so that the Web site owner is able to keep track of its user base and possibly the login name and password for that user to access certain secure pages if available and required for that site.

Deployment from the customers perspective is made as simple as possible. Using the showcase solution for Lexis-Nexis as a benchmark, Mr. Kumaran explained that the underlying technology engine of Quick Access especially on the client PC side, is custom-layered with application software that is specific for a given industry, and eventually specific for a given customer.

Some level of customization is inevitable because every customers branding and logo, and therefore graphics are unique, possibly requiring a distinctive look of menus and dialog boxes, as well as the choice of functions, menu items and dialog box controls. We anticipate a typical custom development period of 6 to 8 weeks for most Web sites," added Mr. Kumaran.

On the server side, the requirements are more straightforward, driven mainly by the client side requirements, unless the customer needs also an array of additional custom-built administrative functions to manage the distributed client software. But as Mr. Kumaran emphasizes, the final important part in the solution development process is to ensure the seamless operation between the software on the distributed PC clients and the software on the Web site server.

How does RealSoft ensure effective distribution of the client software portion of Quick Access? "We have various schemes to ensure the effective distribution of the Quick Access client software, depending on whether our customers requirement is very targeted toward a certain group, or very widespread throughout the entire Internet, or anywhere in-between. For example, if the customer wants maximum coverage, we would include multiple site downloads, Web banner advertising and Web affiliate programs in our distribution campaign, on top of non-Web methods such as promotional or membership packages containing the client software CD. We also offer related services for various strategies in marketing the customers Web site. Quick Access is a total solution for Internet brand-building and marketing, not just a Web-based client-server solution," expounded Mr. Chew.

How cost-effective can Quick Access be? In terms of pricing, the companys motto is always a steadfast ‘we win only if our customer wins. As Mr. Chew explained, Our pricing structure is simple and affordable for any serious Web-enabled business or organization because we charge a low or non-profit, one-time fee for the entire project customization, and a separate variable fee for the subsequent distribution of the client software. It is this latter fee that characterizes our pricing motto. In other words, we earn only if there is a demand for the client software, which is a key indicator of the level of success."

Continuing on the issue of cost-effectiveness, Mr. Chew qualified, Of course, every Web site is unique and we can therefore be flexible on how we package the variable costs. Typically, this would depend on factors like the level and complexity of the customization, expected total volume of client software distribution over a given period of time, the type of business and industry, the current visit rates and so on. We are sensitive to each customers business and situation."

Ultimately, Internet brand-building and marketing is all about Web sites as distributors and sellers of information, products and services, constantly looking for users as their consumers and buyers. We are excited about the endless possibilities of such a commercial ecosystem and intend to be a major facilitator in this ecosystem with our Quick Access solution," concluded Mr. Chew enthusiastically.

RealSoft is at http://www.realsoftpl.com