AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- 18 September 2000 -- Cisco Systems, the world's dominant player in networking technologies for the Internet, today announced the launch of its E-Day Business Forums, developed to educate small to medium businesses (SMBs) in the advantages of embracing the Internet economy.
The Cisco E-Day Business Forums are designed to provide New Zealand businesses with a greater understanding of the Internet economy and the tools to participate more actively in it. E-Day will visit seven locations starting in Invercargill on October 9 and finishing in Auckland on October 20.
The half-day forums, put together in conjunction with esolutions (the alliance between Telecom New Zealand Ltd, EDS (New Zealand) Ltd and Microsoft New Zealand Ltd), ASB BANK and Xtra, will demonstrate the five stage path to 'Internet Heaven' from basic e-mail through to a business ecosystem. Cisco E-Days will be using relevant New Zealand case studies to show New Zealand businesses how they can use the Internet as a competitive advantage and to demonstrate strategies which are well within their reach. The New Zealand E-Days are based on similar ventures that have been running in Australia and the UK.
Tim Hemingway, New Zealand Country Manager for Cisco Systems, says the E-Day Business Forums will demonstrate the advantages of the Internet to New Zealand's army of SMBs. "It is widely recognised that SMBs are the backbone of the economy, but many are not using the Internet to its full potential. Many are frightened of what it means and the potential costs involved." He cites Cisco Systems as a template for today's companies wanting to maximise the opportunities of the Internet Economy. "With Cisco E-Days we are trying to give NZ Business practical examples of our experience both good and bad, with our own implementation of Internet applications". We think that this will help push the Internet agenda a little further a little faster in New Zealand".
Chris Thompson, Marketing Manager for Xtra says they recognise the significant opportunities the Internet and e-commerce presents for Small to Medium Businesses. "The Cisco E-Days give us the chance to provide some relevant information and education to this important market. We're all about providing New Zealand businesses with a positive Internet experience to enhance their business and communication."
ASB BANK General Manager of Technology and Operations, Garry Fissenden, says that for several years ASB BANK has been committed to developing Internet products for customers to make their banking options easier. "We are pleased to join Cisco Systems and the other E-Day partners to help people unravel the mystery of the Internet as a business tool. The more our business customers know about banking on the Net, the more we can work with them to tailor products to their needs."
According to Jane Freeman, General Manager, esolutions, "The Internet is a vast resource to you, your suppliers, your customers and all your competitors. You just can't afford to ignore it. These forums are designed to help you realise the potential to your business through the practical application of e-commerce.
"Over 80% of Cisco's business - more than US$35 million a day - is transacted through Internet Business Solutions including its e-commerce capacity, customer care, workforce optimisation and supply chain management, bringing significant efficiencies within its business model.
Mr Hemingway says, "The reality is that the way business is done has changed dramatically. New Zealand companies must be better informed and equipped to maximise the opportunities, and indeed, fully participate in the Internet economy."
"In today's highly competitive marketplace, it is more important than ever for businesses seeking growth to enhance customer service, maximise productivity, and control costs. Competitors are continually raising the bar with new solutions to meet customer needs. The Internet has emerged as a critical tool for businesses willing and able to leverage its immense capabilities, to solve problems and boost their bottom lines. "
Cisco's commitment to empowering New Zealand SMBs in the use of the Internet is further demonstrated by its sponsorship of the Government's E-Commerce Summit to be held in Auckland in November. "The government wants to work with relevant parties to improve the speed and depth of e-commerce uptake in New Zealand, and Cisco is pleased to be involved.
What we are trying to achieve with our E-fficiency Solutions program is clearly in line with these same objectives," says Mr Hemingway.
The E-Day forums will also provide a toll-free telephone consultancy service giving customers an analysis of their business and initial ideas for increasing productivity, reducing costs, improving communication and expanding sales opportunities through Internet technology.
About esolutions
esolutions is a world first - a unique e-commerce alliance between Telecom New Zealand Ltd, EDS (New Zealand) Ltd and Microsoft New Zealand Ltd - that has built a strong foundation in terms of people, processes and capability, and has a highly motivated and skilled team focused on the delivery of packages to market. Through the development of scaleable, repeatable online packages, esolutions will enable every New Zealand business to be part of the digital revolution. esolutions offers packages that in a simple way:
- meet the complex requirements for integration, security and performance
- enable businesses to add online functionality
- provide a robust environment for hosted applications and bring the virtual office concept into reality
- bring businesses together, collaboratively in the online space
- enable the development of online marketplaces
About ASB Bank
ASB BANK is the pioneer of Internet Banking in New Zealand. It launched the country's first ever Internet banking product, Fastnet, in 1997 and has remained at the forefront of Internet innovation with its commitment to being the leading provider of online financial services to the mass market, and the business market.
Two years prior to competitors going online in late 1999, Fastnet Internet banking customers were able to view and print account statements online, transfer funds, pay bills online, and view their transactions in real time, as they are made.
ASB BANK positions itself at the cutting edge of Internet technology and is currently trialing a new ASP-based payroll product on the Internet with a range of leading pilot customers. ASB BANK recently became 100% owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which is the top traditional and online financial services provider across the Tasman.
For more information, visit ASB BANK's website at www.asbbank.co.nz.
About Xtra
Xtra is a division of Telecom New Zealand Limited and is New Zealand's most popular Internet Service Provider and Web site.
Xtra offers a wide range of both consumer and business products and services including: nationwide access, Web hosting, Web development, e-commerce solutions, online advertising, an expert Help Desk and Web site.
Xtra is committed to driving innovation through publishing, e-commerce and communications products and services.
For more information visit www.xtra.co.nz.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
