O.C.E.A.N., Aptinet's Enhanced Agency Extranet Gives Ad Agencies Efficiency in Workflow and Communications for Creating Faster Approvals and Better Agency/Client Relations.

New features include an Image Database for storing and searching images and artwork, an Updatable and Customizable Agency Portfolio for new business prospects, a New Business Response Mechanism for RFPs, and Aptinet's Peace-of-Mind Aptinet/Agency/Client Relationship Contract.

NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) August 15, 2004 -- Aptinet, Inc., a leader in browser-based application and performance tools for advertising agencies announced new enhancements to its Agency Extranet product, O.C.E.A.N. (Online Client Enquiry & Analysis Network)-a system that provides a secure online forum where client and agency staff can submit, review, and approve creative, and manage client accounts/campaigns at any time of the day from any internet connection.

Aptinet's Agency Extranet is a powerful yet easy-to-use system, developed exclusively for ad agencies by former ad agency IT staff. It allows an agency to manage, organize, and archive their creative work, budgets, schedules, correspondence, and reports, for sharing between agency and client. This helps agencies to obtain faster approval on creative, and helps Account Managers service clients better and more efficiently, allowing for fully organized agency/client communication that helps retain clients and fosters longer-lasting client relationships.

Designed with ad agencies in mind, O.C.E.A.N. can be customized to an agency's look and feel, extending the agency's brand awareness to its clients and new business prospects. The powerful features that come with O.C.E.A.N. include Agency Branding, Agency Control and Client Management, Electronic Correspondence, Log Reporting and Accountability, Client and Inter-Agency Communications, and Extranet Security.

To further Aptinet's niche in developing browser-based tools specifically for ad agency use, Aptinet added new features to its Agency Extranet including: a new Image Database for storing and searching images and artwork, an Updatable and Customizable Agency Portfolio for new business prospects, a New Business Response Mechanism for RFPs, and the Aptinet Peace-of-Mind Aptinet/Agency/Client Contract.

The system can be further enhanced with additional add-on tools for customized Response Management and Tracking, Customer Database Management, Real-Time Database Queries, Email Marketing Campaigns, and other customized tools specific to any particular agency or client needs.

Aptinet's Agency Extranet Offers All the Tools an Agency Needs.

O.C.E.A.N. is simple to use but robust enough to handle all agency/client relationships. Agency clients will love it too. Using a familiar file and folder structure, all correspondence, reports, creative, and documents are stored for quick access and communication, making it just as easy for clients to use as for agency personnel and teams.

"At Aptinet, we understand ad agencies and we understand the value of relationship." says John Clyde, Aptinets Business Director. "Our most important relationship is with our own clients -- the ad agencies - and we know that their most important relationship is with their clients. We designed O.C.E.A.N. to help improve their clients' experience, to ease agency workflow, and to allow information to be exchanged more efficiently all in one centralized place. The system encouraged proactivity, allowing the agency to respond better and faster to client needs and requests. This creates a positive and trusting relationship."

Agency Control and Client Management            

The agency decides exactly who has access to files and reports. O.C.E.A.N. allows the agency to control which files the client can view and have access to. Which account person or which client contact has access to view or edit some or all files can be decided with the simple click of a button.

Creative, artwork, and files can be uploaded by the agency and viewed by the client instantly, speeding up the approval process and saving money on costly shipping or messenger services. High resolution creative can also be uploaded for media or vendors, allowing an agency to meet its deadlines.

O.C.E.A.N. also eases the workflow of agency clients by having a single point of contact and communication. Servicing the client is the number one priority in business, and agencies can retain clients longer by increasing their dependence on their services. The Agency Extranet is so easy-to-use and so powerful, clients won't want to work without it. And neither will agencies!

Correspondence, Log Reports, and Accountability

Creating logs reports and correspondence for budgets, scheduling, and creative review and approval is simple and easy - and it's documented. Aptinet's Agency Extranet allows all posted data and correspondence to be time-stamped, generating a log report record of when files have been posted and when and by whom they have been reviewed or answered (and when they have been subsequently approved by the client). This gives an agency more credibility and accountability while increasing overall workflow.

Every agency has had a client say they did not hear from them, knowing that someone at the agency contacted them. The Account Manager ends up sifting through hundreds of emails trying to find the message that was sent, often to no avail. O.C.E.A.N. solves this problem because every correspondence is locked, stored, and archived. There is no miscommunication, and no doubt. The Agency Extranet also offers the option to take parts of an agency's internal communication and restrict access to the client. With O.C.E.A.N., the agency controls the valuable flow of information.

Client and Inter-Agency Communication Can Save Time and Money

Not all communication with the client requires a physical meeting or long hours on the phone. O.C.E.A.N. allows clients to service themselves, which saves agencies time and money. The system also allows Account Managers to work more efficiently by saving time and resources, eliminating a great deal of tedious administration.

O.C.E.A.N. is not only for communication between agency and client. It also serves as an Intranet, where agency staff and agency team members use it internally. Account Managers can communicate with Creative Directors, Art Directors, and all Internal Staff without having to call a meeting or track people down. The Agency Extranet allows agencies to increase their workflow internally saving valuable time and resources.

Win new business with a New Business Response Mechanism
and Updatable and Customizable Portfolios

Aptinet's Agency Extranet is a powerful way to show prospective clients that you are ahead of the curve and serious about client services. O.C.E.A.N. can be the difference in your RFP response that allows you to gain new business. Post your spec creative on O.C.E.A.N. -then send the prospective client a link and a password, where they can view any creative file, from print ads to TV spots to websites. Respond to RFP's with an updatable and customizable online portfolio, agency credentials, presentations, and production and media timelines. The options are endless, and the results are unlimited.

Image Database for Uploading and Searching Images and Artwork

O.C.E.A.N. allows you to show past work quickly and easily. The Agency Image Database can store agency creative, presentations, and images in one database or multiple databases. With searchable features, an agency can easily lay their hands on a chosen image or a past creative to use or to present.

Agency Branding to Build and Extend Client Awareness

Aptinet's Agency Extranet is designed to be customized with an agency's look and feel. Logo and color scheme can be quickly uploaded so that branding efforts are reinforced with clients, and agency brand awareness is bolstered through frequent visits to the Extranet. Agencies also have the ability to upload a client's logo in their respective client accounts, creating increased awareness and loyalty to their client's brand efforts.

No IT Support Necessary

O.C.E.A.N. works on its own and requires no technical support. In less than an hour, anyone can learn and use the system. It is designed as a simple-to-understand and powerful tool, and Aptinet is always there for the agency. Technical support is readily available for any questions that arise, and it's just a phone call away.

Aptinet Extranet Security

Client data and information are important, and we continually review and update our security practices. All clients have a unique login and password, and agencies are assured that only dedicated client and agency staff have access to information and files on their extranet.
Aptinet's Affordable Package Prices Offer Solutions to Agencies Large and Small

Aptinet has a number of packages that can be tailored to fit any agency's need. We pride ourselves on our ability to cater a product or service to specific scope and budget requirements.

Powerful Customizable Add-Ons for Specific Agency Needs

The system can be further enhanced with additional add-on tools for Comprehensive Response Management and Tracking, Customer Database Management, Real-Time Database Queries, Email Marketing Campaigns, and customized tools specific to any agency or client needs.

Peace-of-Mind Aptinet/Agency/Client Relationship Contract

Aptinet offers a "Peace-of-Mind" Contract to each and every agency it works with. This assures an agency that O.C.E.A.N. and any data stored on it is entirely secure. Knowing that agencies are highly competitive for clients and work, Aptinet realizes the importance of creating this type of contract. We feel a responsibility to establish a conscientious relationship from the start to maintain a trusting relationship among Aptinet, an Agency, and their Clients.

Aptinet. A Leader in Browser-based Performance Tools for Ad Agencies

Aptinet, Inc., a leader in browser-based application and performance tools for advertising agencies, is a full-service technology and video production company that offers a wide range of internet products, strategic solutions, and video services for businesses, organizations, advertising agencies, and affiliated partners. Aptinet is located at 130 West 42nd Street, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10035. They can be contacted at 212-725-7255 or by visiting their corporate website at www.aptinet.com

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