Software Developer Boosts Sales: Coastal Computer credits TestDrive service from Runaware

Coastal Computer has increased sales by 20 percent by using Runawares TestDrive service. With TestDrive, software publishers can close 8 to 10 percent of evaluations, compared with 1 or 2 percent using traditional download methods.

(PRWEB) May 28, 2004 -- Runaware, the leading provider of online software demonstrations, announced today that Coastal Computer Corporation, a developer of Service Management software based in Fort Myers, Florida, has increased sales by 20 percent by using Runawares TestDrive service. TestDrive enables prospective customers to try out a full-featured version of Coastal Computers ESC service management and dispatching software without having to download and install it. It takes real-time evaluation to produce real-time sales," according to Coastal Computers Tom Fanelli, vice president of Sales and Marketing. In addition to increased companys sales, evaluation costs have actually gone down.

We used to have to struggle to get people to install the software once they received the CD or downloaded the application," continued Fanelli. With the TestDrive service we dont have that problem. It means fewer obstacles during the sales process. The instant gratification on the prospects part results in a shorter sales cycle for us. With a 20 percent increase in revenue since we started using TestDrive in December 2002, we cant be anything but delighted."

Coastal was looking to provide its customers with a better trial solution than the costly and inefficient method of sending out demo CDs. Fanelli now reports: We were spending an exorbitant amount of money on mailing CDs to every request we would receive. When factoring in the CDs, duplication, packaging, shipping and labor involved, the expense was getting high. Secondly, by the time the prospect received the software the project had lost some of its priority. This of course lengthened the sales cycle."

We went from sending out more than 800 CDs per month to fewer than 100", continues Tom Fanelli. Sales to prospects from the TestDrive service average $300 more than sales to prospects from our download demo service. It seems as if the online demo attracts the more valuable prospects, more willing to spend money on additional features and add-ons." The ESC application and online evaluation service can be found at www.coastalcomputercorporation.com.

Offered in partnership with Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTXS), the TestDrive service delivered by Runaware at www.runaware.com provides a prospect with an uninterrupted try-and-buy experience. Runaware Sales Acceleration solutions can generate conversion to sales of 8 to 10 percent in contrast to traditional download figures of 1 to 2 percent.

TestDrive is available directly from Runaware at 1-800-430-3231.

About Runaware, Inc.
Runaware is the world's leading Evaluation Service Provider (ESP), offering software publishers a revolutionary means of providing hassle-free software evaluations and demonstrations online, with no download or installation required. The application is installed on secure servers and is viewed and accessed via a secured and safe applet within a web browser. Customers report a huge increase in qualified sales leads, considerably shorter sales cycles and a major improvement in customer service. Runawares customers include Microsoft, Citrix, Intuit, Best Software, Scandinavian PC Systems and FrontRange Solutions. The company has offices in North America and Europe. For more information about Runaware, visit www.runaware.com.