Branded Suite of Applications

Portalvision's client-based information and planning applications may help ISPs increase per-customer revenue, inspire customer loyalty, create a community, and build brand identity.

by Wayne Kawamoto
[December 12, 2000]

A new application from Portalvision offers a client-based branded suite of applications that integrates communications, chat, address book, Internet messaging, shopping, planning, and information features. And since the suite is a permanent fixture on a user's desktop, it may run faster than a comparable Web-based alternative.

Portalvision could reduce an ISP's customer churn rate. It may also enable ISPs to generate new and recurring sources of revenue through e-commerce, advertising, and sponsorships, and enable ISPs to concentrate on their core business of acquiring customers and building infrastructure.

Portalvision says that because the applications in its suite are fully integrated, they share information. Users won't have to retype or repeatedly update the same information. Users may also track who's online and available to chat, or exchange Internet messages, and conduct multiple Internet message sessions at the same time. "ISPs rarely provide more than access, a browser, and in some cases a simple portal page that is often ignored by users," said Paul Graf, Chairman and CEO of Portalvision. "Users connect and surf the Web, leaving the ISP with no opportunity to develop a relationship with customers, establish a brand, or generate further revenue. The Portalvision Desktop enables ISPs to strengthen their ties with users by offering them a client-based branded suite of applications. By offering users one easy-to-use platform that integrates communication, shopping, planning, and information, ISPs will attract and retain customers like never before."

The potential of the affinity business should not be underestimated. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), a 75,000-member organization dedicated to preserving the rights of saltwater anglers and insuring the sustainability of America's marine fisheries, is one of Portalvision's charter customers.

"With the Portalvision application we will be able to create an online community that brings our membership together in ways that our Web site never could," said Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the RFA. "Not only will it help us to develop our brand image, but it will also allow us to instantly deliver important messages and opportunities to our members, and at the same time give them a forum to better communicate with us, and with one another."

Pricing and availability
The Portalvision Desktop is available now.

The company charges ISPs a monthly licensing fee.

—End

 

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