New, web-based entry point into COLT's products and services helping businesses scope, select and purchase online

23rd October, COLT, a leading provider of business communications, today announced it has launched a new online hub to showcase the company's portfolio and enable organisations to scope and select products and services to buy online.  The COLT portal (www.COLT.net/business) will offer a range of online features including live web chat, interactive content, special promotions.  Seven products and services will be available to buy online via the portal including Business Email and Email Security, PC Back UP, Internet Access, as well as pre-configured packs, all of which are tailored to meet the specific needs of small and medium-sized businesses.  The portal will also harness user generated content, communities of interest and social media tools for closer interaction and idea sharing between COLT and its customers.

"The way in which smaller organisations do business is evolving; they expect to be able to source, select, configure and buy products and services online.  In response to this demand, we have developed a new online hub to serve the small and medium business market, and we have also made a significant investment in our digital marketing capability.  Both investments support our business strategy of delivering best-in-class business communications services and forging longer-term and more interactive relationships with our customers." said Carl Robertson, Director SME Product and Marketing, COLT.

The COLT portal is designed to be easy to navigate to ensure that dealing with COLT is as easy as possible for business users. It also enables visitors to access prices for specific solutions and services. "The portal is set up to be intuitive and easy to use and we are particularly pleased with how positive user feedback has been in our user trials.  We are also proud to be offering fully transparent pricing so they can make informed choices about how suitable particular solutions might be for their business's needs."

The newly launched portal is just one initiative in the way COLT is changing the way it interacts with its customers.  It is aimed at establishing best in class customer experience while broadening the market COLT is able to serve with its products and solutions. 

"COLT's digital vision is to place the capabilities and resources of COLT directly in the hands of customers and partners and to enable them to interact with COLT, as well as each other, in a meaningful way that contributes to the efficiency of their business" said Mark Leonard, Chief Information Officer, COLT.

The COLT portal will launch in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.  Online purchasing capability will be available initially in Spain with plans to extend the service in Q4 2009.