SME offerings from telcos and ISPs tend toward the generic in that they offer the same basic products, with some differentiation in value-added services and benefits. But basic packages all include fixed and mobile voice, fixed, mobile and WiFi data services, and Web and domain hosting.
MTN Business:
InsightPlus - billing management
SME ProPack - SME-focused value-added package, including access to BizNetworking platform and membership of the National Small Business Chamber
CRM & Productivity Solutions - business communication, mobile fleet management and sales force management
Business ERP - powered by SAP
Telkom Business:
VIP Liquid Payroll - an online payroll system
Pastel My Business Online - a hosted accounting application
Hosted Exchange - cloud-based, enterprise-grade e-mail server and services
Teleconferencing
Vodacom Business:
Hosted Exchange - cloud-based, enterprise-grade e-mail server and services
Hosted Office Communicator - unified communications offering
Microsoft Office 365
One Net Express - virtual switchboard
Hosted CRM - based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Hosted Sharepoint - Microsoft information management and collaboration tools
Mobile apps
Security solutions - anti-virus and anti-spam
MWEB Business:
Store-It - cloud storage solution
AVG Internet Security
MWEB Talk - VOIP solution
Andre Joubert, GM for MWEB Business, believes these types of services will become more common and available as Internet-based services in South Africa grow.
For small businesses, however, the universal power of the Internet is not a reality yet, with quite a number of them still without basics like an e-mail address or connectivity.
Andre Joubert, GM, MWEB Business
"For businesses, the Internet is no longer a toy. It's a utility like electricity and water, and I think this shift into a utility will continue. For small businesses, however, the universal power of the Internet is not a reality yet, with quite a number of them still without basics like an e-mail address or connectivity.
"Fibre connectivity for business is, however, going to grow massively as the footprint of networks grows. Once you've turned the Internet into a utility, it will become a workhorse. Then the whole cloud message and adoption becomes like a glove that fits."
First published in the September 2013 issue of ITWeb Brainstorm magazine
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