E-business. This is a wide and varied area as computers, servers and the Internet can assist businesses in many ways. We can access the office computer from home, use databases to collate and self-administrate services, and even communicate no matter where we are.

But from a Connecting Somerset grant perspective e-business is:

> A technology solution that changes the processes of a business
> Achieved by utilising internet and server based technologies, including telecommunications
> It may include one or more web, hardware or software solution

The business benefits are

• Most e-business elements can reduce the carbon footprint
• Each e-business element can provide economic benefits by reducing labour, communication costs, transport and manual processes
• E-business fortifies the objectives of flexible working/home workers.

E -business categories

VoIP (Voice over IP) & Telephony
Telephony solutions that impact the way a company communicates. Includes VoIP solutions for 3 users or above. Customer Relationship Management telephony solutions also included.

Accounting Integration
Solutions that allow software or Internet components to integrate into your accounting software e.g. E-Commerce store integrating into Sage Line 50, etc.

CRM
Customer Relationship Management solutions that are server side only (e.g. a CRM program held on a server that many users access to enable all customer information and interactions are recorded).

EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale)
Till systems that are IT-based and integrate all information the business requires to track sales, stock, and other trading information. This includes EPOS systems that connect to ecommerce stores.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
For companies who wish to have remote workers, home workers, or wish to have IT systems from more than one location to talk to another. Hardware or software solutions considered.

Databases (not E-Commerce)
Solutions where information gathered online is electronically fed into a database (online or back-office). This excludes simple databases such as address books or membership directories, but does include self populating databases such as those used on websites that allow the user to enter details (as opposed to a business employee having to re-enter the data at a later date). Databases that export or report information to streamline business processes, stock management and integrated booking systems are also considered. These booking systems must reside on your own domain.

Exchange Server
This is a messaging and collaborative software product which consists of electronic mail, calendaring, contacts and tasks, and support for the mobile and web-based access to information, as well as supporting data storage. To find our more about servers and networks seek advice from your IT supplier.

Video Conferencing
For businesses that wish to invest in video conferencing solutions in 2 or more locations. This excludes simple web cameras and solutions must be above £500.

Paperless Office (Filing and Document Management)
Small to medium sized projects that assist a company in achieving a paperless office. This may include automated PDF creation systems but not PDF software. Scanners not included unless the scanner is designed specifically for high output of document scanning. Other solutions accepted. Speak to us before applying for funding.

E-Newsletter
E-Newsletters are a simple, cheap and effective way to remind your customers of who you are and what you have to offer; thus building better awareness and long lasting relationships. To qualify this solution must be database-driven and provide auto opt-in and opt-out functionality.

SMS Services (Mobile Phone Services)
Solutions that a business uses to automate communications and messaging on a mass scale by using technologies that utilise mobile phones. E.g. automated email responders from text messages to business.

E- Learning Websites
If you want to develop a website that sells online training then you should have a website that allows people to create an online account and one that tracks the chapters or courses you are providing. This means that the site will need to be database driven and we can help fund this but we only fund the development of the website and not the actual content. The provider you choose for this solution must be on a Connecting Somerset recognised supplier.

Barcode system
Keeping track of stock and other items within a business can be tough and labour intensive but now that bar coding technology has come right down in price a small business can now make, print and scan its own bar codes. We will help fund both hardware and software items.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
SEO is a range of techniques used to increase the organic ranking of a website within a given search engine e.g. Google. We encourage you to use a company that, in addition to ‘strengthening’ the metatags of your website, also include link building as well as monitoring and reporting on your SEO progress e.g. monthly reports. Its is also important to consider how well your content 'ties' into any optimisation and its relevance. The provider you choose for this solution must be on a Connecting Somerset recognised supplier.

Accounting Software & Financial Reporting
Still using paper based accounting or Microsoft Excel? Why not upgrade to a full accounting software package and streamline your accounts and get real time information. We will fund any accounting software that costs £100 or more. Sage and Quickbooks are just a few accounting software solutions but we will also fund online hosted solutions.

Forums
Forums are websites that provide online discussion groups, where participants with common interests can exchange open messages e.g. knowledgebase’s, technical support. The grant step only supports forums that are database driven. The provider you choose for this solution must be on a Connecting Somerset recognised supplier.

Blogs
Blogs are like an online diary and can, help the user stay in touch with the website with new and up to date information. This grant step supports database driven blogs only. The provider you choose for this solution must be on a Connecting Somerset recognised supplier.

Booking systems
Booking systems such as table or accommodation reservations can be considered, but these booking systems must be real time (data that is captured, and made available as it is happening). Simple email based forms or forms that require human intervention are not included.

Web Based surveys with Reporting
Web based surveys that provide reporting on the survey results can be a great benefit to the marketing and development of your company and its products and surveys. We can only fund if it is a database driven solution.

Network Servers
If you are thinking about connecting several PC’s together and centralising your company data in one location, then you should consider a server based network. We can help towards the cost of a server and its server operating system. To find our more about servers and networks seek advice from your IT supplier.

Network/Server Security
Hardware and/or software security solutions that protect your server/network. Speak to your IT specialist or attend one of our technology workshops to learn more.

Network/Server Backup
Hardware and/or software backup solutions for your network/server. Speak to your IT specialist or attend one of our technology workshops to learn more.

Structured Cabling
If you want to connect your network then you may want to consider structured cabling. This is the installation of a copper or fibre optic cable which is fully tested for compliancy and data transfer rates. For best practice, structured cabling is to the company’s centralised communications cabinet.

Flexible/Remote Working
Would you benefit from working while on the move or remotely? Would email to your mobile phone be useful? Do you want your employees to work from home? If so we will help fund a range of flexible and remote working solutions. This includes Windows Mobile devices, Blackberries and more. Speak to your IT specialist or attend one of our technology workshops to learn more.

Other E-Business Solution
If you have an alternative e-business solution that you think would qualify then get in touch. This decision process does take longer and you may be requested to attend a short informal meeting.

Checkout our e-business resources - click here