Sherweb

I am writing to comment on a very interesting and truthful article on the Hosted Exchange industry entitled “Exchange Outside The Lines” written by Mr. Brien Posey in April 2007. So to current and future clients, please take a few minutes to read the article to better understand what I want to say.

To start off I generally agree with the article but I think it’s important that I give SherWeb’s opinion on the matter and that I try to explain a little bit more in details some common issues the industry is facing.

SherWeb has been in the web hosting business since 1998 and offering Hosted Exchange seriously as its core business since 2003. Mr. Posey is right when he says that the industry is filling up with hosting companies wanted to offer Hosted Exchange. What I would add and what I think the reality, is that the industry is filling up with small hosting companies sensing they can make a quick buck by offering a somewhat cheap Hosted Exchange solution but marketing themselves as being a very trustworthy, experienced and reliable Hosted Exchange company. The reality is that most of these companies are not even Microsoft certified (at least) and do not even have a SPLA agreement with Microsoft. This is particularly hurtful for serious Hosted Exchange company that are trying to strive in this growing market but constantly need to convince and remind customers that Hosting your messaging system is not only a trend but a reality that makes a lot of business sense.

SherWeb likes to believe that the duty of a hosted exchange company goes way beyond making a quick sale at all cost. In fact, the issue is bigger here since hosting companies are battling against skeptics who still believe the only safe, reliable and cost efficient way to manage Microsoft Exchange is doing it internally (which is really not the case). Needless to say that hosting companies need to work hard to convince the world that the new “software as a service” especially the hosted Exchange trend makes a lot of business sense and is a rather well established and ever growing reality. SherWeb would like to remind its fellow Hosting Exchange providers that if they want the industry to keep on growing the way it has been, Hosted Exchange must not become a simple commodity and companies must put customers first and offer the best possible Exchange Hosting experience. Articles like the one Mr. Posey wrote helps remind hosting providers and customers that email are mission critical for organizations and therefore customers should be careful and well educated when selecting a hosting exchange provider.

Please feel free to write to me if you have any questions

Thank you for reading
Until next time take care

Did I get your attention!!! I must have had to if you are reading this

I came upon this somewhat controversial ad campaign last weekend created by an environmentalist group from Ontario that I think is worth mentioning and taking a look at:www.flickoff.org. The goal of the campaign is to educate and influence the population on the issues and the actions to take to help the alarming climate change situation all over the world. To be honest, thumps up for catching my attention!

As a marketing director, one of the challenges I constantly face in my every day work is to find catchy phrases or slogans that will draw attention to my marketing efforts.

The FLICK OFF movement certainly did a good job in getting noticed and stand out from a crowded and chaotic advertising world. However like every thing else in this industry, there will always be people that will love to hate these kinds of campaigns.
Is the movement crossing the line? Is there such thing as a line in marketing? Are marketers going too far with their ideas? You be the judge

Mr. Robert McIntosh from the Canadian marketing blog website www.canadianmarketingblog.com reviews the ad and gives his opinion. Go take a look if you have the time, it’s interesting.

Now if you’ll excuse me I think my slogans need a little bit more punch