Enterprise Ireland - e-Business Live -- Issue No. 268

IIA launches cloud computing survey

The Irish Internet Association has launched a cloud computing survey, following the publication of a white paper on the subject of web-based services last year. The study, run in association with Sysco and ReadyDynamics.com, aims to gather information about cloud computing adoption in Ireland and to increase understanding of this technology. Last year's survey showed that 43 percent of respondents did not have a clear understanding of cloud computing. Respondents to this year's survey will be sent a copy of the new white paper when the results are published. For more visit IIA.ie.

Time is right to reconsider cloud email services

In more cloud computing news, a new report from Forrester Research says that cloud-based email providers are "rapidly approaching parity" in terms of the services they offer and the prices they charge. Forrester principal analyst Ted Schadler studied the big four providers of cloud-based email - Google, Microsoft, IBM and Cisco - and found that the first two are likely to remain the most popular providers for some time. He advised companies to begin considering who provides their email, and whether they are getting the right service. If not, he urged them to move to another provider. "Over the next five years, most of you will be re-evaluating your email strategy and partner," said Schadler. "Already there is a battle raging to win your business. You will win as vendors compete on price, features, innovation, bundles and service." For more visit V3.co.uk.

Social media a challenge for international marketing

Although social media is enjoying rapid growth, marketers still do not see it as the most effective means to reach international audiences. A survey by Harris Interactive for social marketing platform Buddy Media found that more than 90 percent considered it at least somewhat challenging to reach audiences in local international markets with a unified brand message. The most popular tactics used to market to local audiences were websites with local content (69 percent), print ads (62 percent) and event promotion (59 percent). Less than half of respondents used social media fan pages for this purpose, and less than one-third used paid social media advertising. Websites with local content were considered the most effective tactic, named by 30 percent of brand marketers, compared with just 10 percent who thought fan pages were best. For more on this story visit eMarketer.com. (See our feature article elsewhere in this issue for more on localising website content.)

Digital media have positive impact on store footfall: retailers

Retailers are more likely to see digital media as providing value in driving store footfall rather than in improving the in-store experience. That's according to a new study from retail research firm RSR Research, which found that 25 percent of retailers view having a presence on social networks as providing a lot of value in bringing customers to the store, while 57 percent see it as providing some value. Only 18 percent said a presence on social networks provided little or no store footfall value. However, retailers are far less likely to see digital media as offering value once the customer is in the store, with just 10 percent saying a presence on social networks provided a lot of in-store value. Nonetheless, retailers are slightly more positive about the use of smartphones and PDAs once a customer enters the store, with 12 percent saying such devices add a lot of value to the in-store experience. For more see RetailerDaily.com.

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Localisation (part two): handling foreign currency transactions

Reaching out to customers in Europe and beyond requires a well-designed and competently translated website. In the second part of our localisation feature, we share more translation tips and look at how you can streamline foreign currency transactions.

Online payment options for web traders

Having online payment options on your company website can help you make the most of the 24/7 trading possibilities opened up by the internet. We take a look at some common payment methods, how to set them up, and your compliance responsibilities.

Case study: Sheilas Flowers

Access to a wider geographic customer base is the reason many SMEs reinvent themselves as online stores, but the transition to an online business can be an all-consuming process. Wicklow-based Sheilas Flowers discovered that a few key online partnerships helped boost its market presence, while leaving it free to focus on its core business.