StarHub Internet To Build Asia's First Application Service Provider Aggregation Portal For SMEs and ASPs
StarHub Internet To Build Asia's First Application Service Provider Aggregation Portal For SMEs and ASPs
- Initiative will serve needs of both end-user and service provider -
Singapore, 12 June 2001 -- StarHub Internet today announced that it will build Asia's first Application Service Provider (ASP) aggregation portal aimed at helping SMEs effectively manage their ASP needs via a single unified interface. Named StarBiz, this e-business initiative will be showcased for the first time at the StarHub Booth (Hall 5, L2-07) in CommunicAsia 2001 from 19-22 June 2001.
To be commercially deployed in July 2001, StarBiz will aggregate premium contents, business exchanges and third party applications from ASPs such as iAspire, DP Information and Commerce Exchange as well as offer info-communication solutions like leased line and mobile bundles. The first phase of deployment will offer a suite of essential applications such as email and customer resource management tools on attractive per-use/user monthly subscription basis.
SMEs who subscribe to StarBiz's services will enjoy a provisioning platform that offers a single point of contact for customer service, IT support, billing and Service Level Agreements through StarHub Internet. This will greatly reduce the management complexity of dealing with different ASPs for separate services, which is the main challenge facing SMEs today looking for a better way to manage their IT needs and costs effectively.
Similarly, participating ASPs will benefit from access to a broader customer base through marketing and branding opportunities with StarHub Internet. This allows the ASPs to concentrate on their core business competencies without the worry of providing first level customer support or network issues.
"SMEs have come to realise the value that ASPs can provide by reducing costs while increasing productivity and efficiency. StarBiz will essentially bridge the gap that now exists between the ASPs and end-customers by providing a one-stop portal that serves the needs of both provider and user," explained Mr Kyong Yu, General Manager of StarHub Internet.
The concept of StarBiz was revealed today as part of StarHub Internet's eBiz Vision targeted at cornering the corporate market. This strategy aims to position StarHub Internet to create value for its customers in enriching the Internet experience to new levels.
Centred around building strong and mutually beneficial relationships between its core network services, IDC operators and ASPs, StarHub Internet hopes to create a 'virtuous cycle' of bandwidth demand and supply by driving the demand for ASP and managed services, which will in turn lead to the growth of the segment. At the same time, end-customers like SMEs will be encouraged to adopt the ASP model through initiatives such as StarBiz.
"We are confident that StarBiz will further strengthen StarHub Internet's drive to provide end-to-end management of a full range of Internet services and enhance our value to our corporate customers. We think that the industry as a whole is ready to be part of such a eco-system that creates a win-win situation for all involved," added Mr Yu.
