WEST Perth-based ISP and software developer Commerce Australia last week released an application it believes will reduce communication costs and boost efficiencies for small businesses.
WEST Perth-based ISP and software developer Commerce Australia last week released an application it believes will reduce communication costs and boost efficiencies for small businesses.
Desktop Commerce is a web-based solution that integrates purchasing, marketing and time management functions into one application for small businesses.
According to Commerce Australia managing director Scott Wulff, the package was developed after the company had created various websites and separate pieces of software for clients. He said it was a logical step to integrate the tools.
“We set out focusing on the real estate industry, building back-end solutions like databases to enable real estate agents to keep track of property details,” Mr Wulff said.
“But we’ve moved away from real estate and we’re now targeting the small businesses market in WA.”
He said the calendar function of Desktop provided significant security improvements over software-based email and appointment programs.
“A lot of people use Outlook and other computer-based products, but the issue with Outlook is it’s dynamically prone to viruses and a small business can be devastated by a virus,” Mr Wulff said.
He said Desktop was located on Commerce Australia’s servers and protected by firewalls. The application runs on a Unix platform, an operating system known for reliability.
The other significant function of Desktop is its simple e-commerce applications. It allows small businesses to electronically control stock supply and purchasing without the need for potentially expensive e-commerce web-sites and solutions.
The tools were first developed for the Australian Hotels Association. Publicans could order stock at the click of a
button and access a continually updated stock list as supplies were delivered.
“It’s also ideal for getting quotes from suppliers. Desktop can generate quote templates and automatically fax or email to five, 10 or 100 suppliers at the click of a button,” Mr Wulff said.
The acquisition of Perth online auction website nedkelly.com.au last week will mean further diversification for the company.
The deal, under which founding directors Tony Robertson and Mark Bowman will hand over control of the company after spending $500,000 in start-up costs, gives Commerce Australia access to nedkelly’s membership.
“Between the two of our companies we are heading towards a total client base of between 8000 to 10,000,” Mr Wulff said.
“Marketing the Desktop application through nedkelly’s affiliate base is something we are keen to focus on.”
He said there were plans to launch a low-cost, unlimited access Internet service using the nedkelly badge.
Desktop Commerce is a web-based solution that integrates purchasing, marketing and time management functions into one application for small businesses.
According to Commerce Australia managing director Scott Wulff, the package was developed after the company had created various websites and separate pieces of software for clients. He said it was a logical step to integrate the tools.
“We set out focusing on the real estate industry, building back-end solutions like databases to enable real estate agents to keep track of property details,” Mr Wulff said.
“But we’ve moved away from real estate and we’re now targeting the small businesses market in WA.”
He said the calendar function of Desktop provided significant security improvements over software-based email and appointment programs.
“A lot of people use Outlook and other computer-based products, but the issue with Outlook is it’s dynamically prone to viruses and a small business can be devastated by a virus,” Mr Wulff said.
He said Desktop was located on Commerce Australia’s servers and protected by firewalls. The application runs on a Unix platform, an operating system known for reliability.
The other significant function of Desktop is its simple e-commerce applications. It allows small businesses to electronically control stock supply and purchasing without the need for potentially expensive e-commerce web-sites and solutions.
The tools were first developed for the Australian Hotels Association. Publicans could order stock at the click of a
button and access a continually updated stock list as supplies were delivered.
“It’s also ideal for getting quotes from suppliers. Desktop can generate quote templates and automatically fax or email to five, 10 or 100 suppliers at the click of a button,” Mr Wulff said.
The acquisition of Perth online auction website nedkelly.com.au last week will mean further diversification for the company.
The deal, under which founding directors Tony Robertson and Mark Bowman will hand over control of the company after spending $500,000 in start-up costs, gives Commerce Australia access to nedkelly’s membership.
“Between the two of our companies we are heading towards a total client base of between 8000 to 10,000,” Mr Wulff said.
“Marketing the Desktop application through nedkelly’s affiliate base is something we are keen to focus on.”
He said there were plans to launch a low-cost, unlimited access Internet service using the nedkelly badge.
