beyond what is currently available
Apparently, The Department of Trade & Industry have “been working on a project for some time to develop an e-commerce solution for local independent retailers with a leading UK service provider called Venda. This solution is {apparently} beyond what is currently available on Island and will not only have a significant impact on our local retail sector but will also generate a considerable amount of work for supporting service provider companies, specifically in the areas of web and branding design, web services, online marketing, copywriting and photography.”
It is incredible that a local government body can seek and obtain approval to spend significant revenue with an off island supplier, and in doing so deprive local businesses of a valuable revenue stream when there are clearly service providers on the island who have both the infrastructure and the necessary skills to provide these services. Far worse - to my mind, is to claim “There are no credible e-business providers on the Isle of Man”. When you consider the level of investment in infrastructure - Domicilium, Manx, Wi-Manx etc., service provision such as isleofman.com, e-business service providers such as ourselves. - Freedom to Flourish!.. actions, speak louder than words.
HI
yes, I quite agree with the expressed point of view. If the project was given to Venda, UK service provider then on what ground? was there an open tender on offer? Our IOM companies deserve the government support first hand!
More information about the scheme available here:
http://www.governmenttechnology.co.uk/content/view/1165/4/
http://www.isleofman.com/News/article.aspx?article=16338
My view is that this initiative is win/win/win. Retailers will get a cost-effective, easy to maintain online shop window, local people can shop local more easily, and those further afield can get access to products in the Isle of Man. These retailers would never have been clients of local web design companies and helping as many businesses as possible to get online is good for Island’s economy.
Discussion about this on Manx Forums
http://www.manxforums.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t32497.html
Seems to be a Consensus of opinion on it