|
Zen Internet, was delighted to receive not one, not two, but three ISPA (Internet Services Providers’ Association) awards last week! Zen scooped the awards in the Best Uncontended Service, Best Heavy Business Broadband and Best Business ISP categories which were announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in London on Thursday.
 |
Representitives from Zen were delighted to receive three ISPA Awards
|
The ISPA awards are unique, as they are awarded to people and organisations in the industry by their peers and reflect the broad nature of the service provider sector. This was the 8th Annual UK Internet Industry Awards and Zen was pleased to once again be a part of this.
Of the Best Business ISP award an ISPA spokesperson said, "The judges considered Zen’s personal approach to its customers, providing dedicated technical support and account management, to be extremely valuable to business users. Zen offers an impressive overall package of hosting and connectivity services, and has worked hard to promote its SDSL services. The judges also recognised Zen’s great Corporate Social Responsibility credentials through its commitment to local schools, communities and charities.” For the full ISPA comments and comments on the other awards, please visit: http://www.ispaawards.org.uk/newsreleases/Awardsrelease230206.htm
Last year Zen triumphed in the ‘Best Light Business Broadband 2005’ category as the judges felt that customer service and support at the ISP was highly rated. The impressive hatrick this year reflects Zen’s ongoing mission to continue to provide the best ISP service in the UK.
Iain Johnstone, Sales and Partner Programme Manager, Zen Internet, commented: “We are extremely honoured and delighted to receive these prestigious ISPA awards and our thanks go to ISPA for allowing us the platform to demonstrate our commitment to the UK Broadband Market. The awards vindicate our ongoing commitment to quality, reliability and service which has always been the focus of our operation. This is the essence of our business and it is why our customers, both old and new, join us and stay with us”.
The Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry.
The awards mark a positive start to 2006 for Zen Internet, after a hugely successful 2005 in which Zen won its first ISPA award plus the prestigious PC Pro ‘Best ISP Broadband award’ for the second year running, demonstrating Zen’s continued commitment to delivering consistent high quality services and customer support.
About the Internet Services Providers’ Association: The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the Web site: http://www.ispa.org.uk
Zen Internet has recently issued a warning to customers on judging ISP’s on price alone.
Iain Johnstone, Sales and Partner Programme Manager, Zen Internet commented: “Pricing is highly competitive and there are multiple offers to choose from. I would always ask though if the lowest price actually offers the best value – and the answer will almost invariably be no! It is only good value if it actually delivers what you want it to. The price issue, whilst a consideration, is not the absolute definition of value when a business is considering its Internet options. The key to value is determined by working with an ISP who can supply a robust solution to your requirements, backed up by quality support throughout.”
Zen keeps itself ahead in the quality race by continuing to produce more services of the highest possible standards and is committed to providing its customers with the best possible products. This is achieved through a focus on the technical aspects of the Internet alongside excellent customer service. The Zen core Internet network has been constructed to have no contention, meaning that customers can enjoy an online service with consistent speeds even at peak times.
Recent investments in this network include a link to the USA that enables Zen to build upon this already resilient and high quality infrastructure. Unlike many other ISP’s, Zen do not rely on one point of presence in the UK and so any potential problems will be minimised for Zen customers. This link also opens possibilities of new products, as extra capacity has been provided ahead of demand.
Customers, both existing and new, will be aware of the number of discounted offers for broadband that continue to flood the marketplace. It is important to dig behind the headlines to discover exactly what is on offer and then relate it to the solution you need to help you make the most of your Internet opportunities. The Internet Service Provider’s association (ISPA) states that it is not advisable to choose an ISP on price alone. (http://www.ispa.org.uk/html/media/Choosing_an_isp.html)
They make the point that you get what you pay for and therefore service levels, consistent speeds and quality should also be considered.
| |
|
The promises made by Zen in terms of quality, reliability and service have all been reflected in the company’s impressive range of awards. One recent award is the PC Pro ‘Best ISP Broadband Award 2005’. It was the second year running that Zen scooped this award based on customer opinion. Recent award success was also found when Zen won three awards at this year's ISPA Awards (the UK Internet Industry’s equivalent of the Oscars).
Zen’s customers echo Zen’s values when talking about their ISP, Jamie Ayres, Operations Manager at M2 Communications Ltd commented:
"M2 has experience of many corporate-level ISPs with widely differing ideas of what 'service' means. Since moving to Zen we have noticed that you can get both consistent levels of speed and reliable service for just a small premium. Unlike my previous experience of ISP customer service I find Zen's relaxed, helpful and knowledgeable approach to be both enlightening and stress free. I can only assume that the quality of the service means that the call centre receives very few angry calls! Zen is a company truly worthy of its name."
Length of contract for ISP services is also an important feature to consider, so it is always worth considering a provider that offers one month contracts. Before your customers choose a provider it is always worth advising them to get the views of existing ADSL subscribers, to look for press and magazine reviews and to check independent speed tests.
Due for completion in 2006, Wembley Stadium has assembled the world's leading companies to build and provide services in the new stadium. The stadium will host international and club football, rugby league, concerts and many other world class events.
Zen Web Solutions recently completed graphical design work for an e-mail campaign to advertise the ‘Wembley Club’ seat offer, enabling people to reserve a seat at Wembley for 10 years. Zen also utilised Flash technology to create animated advertising banners for the same offer to be used on a multitude of key sports-related Web sites including ManUtd.com, Liverpoolfc.tv and SkySports.com.
Initial feedback from Wembley Stadium has been very positive and revealed that the current online campaign is producing double the click through rate of their previous campaigns.
For more information on Zen Web Solutions and the services they offer please visit: http://www.zenwebsolutions.com.
On the 7th December 2005, at 10 am (GMT), ‘.eu’ was launched. By 10am the following day, there had been 110,000 applications.
Since the launch date there have been a further 276,542 applications. Given the fact that the first two phases of the launch had the most stringent application guidelines, it is expected that there will many more thousands of applications when the next phase begins.
The launch of ‘.eu’ domains has been phased to allow businesses to protect the names that they have ‘prior rights’ to. In the first period trademark holders and public bodies were able to apply for their domain names. From the 7th February 2006, the second phase began and holders of other prior rights were then able to apply for their domain names. The final phase, which is open to all, begins on the 7th April 2006. Pre-registration orders for the last phase can be taken now.
If customers can prove that they have prior rights to a domain name, either via a trademark or using a signed affidavit, they can apply for thatname.eu. If they cannot, then their application cannot be submitted until the 7th April 2006. Customers can only apply for domain names that directly correspond to their prior rights. For example if they had a trademark for ‘great business’ they could apply for greatbusiness.eu or great-business.eu.
They could not apply for great.eu or business.eu.
Zen Internet is one of the few companies to have become an accredited registrar for the ‘.eu’ domain, and has therefore been highly involved in pre-registrations. They have seen a good take up of the domains and customers have given various reasons for registering a ‘.eu’ domain including brand protection, giving companies greater visibility within Europe, ensuring cover of the Euro market and capitalising on established business.
One of Zen’s customers Malcolm Bell from Simon Carter commented, “We decided to register a ‘.eu’ domain for a few reasons. We wanted to extend the company’s online identity, bookmark a ‘.eu’ specific domain in case of increased company activity in Europe and also to prevent anyone else from doing it. We chose Zen as our .eu registrar based on our previous experience of Zen Internet. I had no hesitation in choosing Zen. Their customer service is second to none and the reliability of broadband provision that they offer is exemplary. I am a very happy customer.”
A ‘.eu’ domain allows companies to benefit from its use and to protect their brand identity. One of the main reasons this new domain has been brought in is to encourage closer ties between businesses in the European Union, and to allow customers to have a truly European identity. If companies purchase a ‘.eu’ domain they are identifying their organisation as one with a truly international scope.
On the most basic level, customers register a ‘.eu’ domain to prevent other people from doing so. Should they choose not to register this domain, someone else can. Worst-case scenario – their direct competitor has their ‘.eu’ domain name! The fees involved are minimal when compared to the price that it could cost to buy the domain from someone else - Business.com sold for $7.5 million!
“We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the chance to reserve and register ‘.eu’ domains. This is a fantastic opportunity for Zen to continue to add to its ever expanding product range and to help our customers to further adopt ecommerce in Europe and move towards a true pan-European identity,” said Iain Johnstone, Sales and Partner Programme Manager, Zen Internet.
He continues: “It is good to see that many businesses have taken the earliest possible opportunity to pre-register their domain names with Zen but there is still time. We are encouraging customers to get their registrations in as soon as possible in order to maximise the chances that the pre-registration will be successful”.
For further Information on registering a ‘.eu’ domain please visit http://www.zen-eu.com or contact your Account Manager.
 |
ZenPartner Welcome Pack
|
The ZenPartner Programme introduced a full, detailed welcome pack recently as a reference point for all partner information.
The pack contains up-to-date information on key topics such as ordering online, faults/support process, payment and billing, and commission structures with an additional section on brand new resources such as a full training programme.
The pack also features the latest price lists for all products and services from Zen available to partners through the ZenPartner programme and a complete list of contacts.
The pack will be updated regularly and updates have already been made to the pack since last month including updates on the network diagram, the hardware section, the price list, the commission matrix and an updated Guides section. For all the latest information please visit the member’s area on the ZenPartner Web site under Marketing and download the latest version of the pack.
ZenPartner NRG Telecom (http://www.nrgtelecom.co.uk) recently provided a brand new football kit for their local team and newcomers to the Rochdale Sunday League, The Prince Albert FC.
 |
The Prince Albert FC of Rochdale
|
The kit was sourced through an exclusive deal, available to all sports clubs in the area, which provides free kits, equipment and assistance in securing funding, through an association with NRG Telecom and SponsorBank.
Club manager David Reed commented: "Thanks to NRG Telecom, the kit and the prospect of further funding through a recent grant application has helped us considerably. This has allowed us the opportunity to put finances into other areas. We are very grateful for the support of NRG Telecom and SponsorBank."
 |
Full name: Debbie Gresty
Age: 28
Postion(s): Partner Account Manager
Length of time with company: Just over 3 years |
THE QUESTIONS
Where are you from originally?
Born in Oldham
What were you doing before you joined Zen?
Business Information Officer at the Local Business Link/Chamber of Commerce
What are your 3 favourite Web sites (clean please)?
Google.co.uk, ebay.co.uk and schuh.co.uk
Which album /single do you have in your stereo?
I have a Multi player so it’s– Ministry of Sound, Artic Monkeys, Madonna and even Take That (In preparation for when I go to their gig in May!)
Which football team do you support?
Oldham Athletic (meat pie sausage roll, come on Oldham give us a Goal!)
What is your favourite childhood TV program, and why?
Moomins – no idea why it’s the only one I can remember watching every night when I got in from school
If you could be any one else for a day who would it be and why?
Think it would have to be wonderwoman, being able to change into outfits so quickly and having super powers would be excellent. Wonder if I would get the opportunity to hook up with superman and spiderman????
What was your best Christmas present?
My BMX bike
Do you have any bad habits?
I shop, buy clothes and complain I have nothing to wear!!!
What was your first computer?
Acorn computer
Thanks Debbie, and that concludes the inspirational interview with this month’s ZenPartner team member.
Next month:
Michelle Jackson, Partner Programme Account Executive
The ZenPartner team would like to say congratulations to those partners who have moved up levels in the programme this month meaning an increase in the resources available to them and a move towards a more strategic commitment.
These were:
Gold to Platinum:
Crucial Systems Ltd
Silver to Gold:
Assistec
Add Technology Ltd
Bronze to Gold:
Xara Computers (UK) Ltd
Bronze to Silver:
WASP IT Ltd
Integral Arm Ltd
CCT Infotech Ltd
Armstrong Communications PLC
Abacusonline Ltd
Keep up the Good work!
Following the rapid growth of the Partner Programme, and the re-organisation of the billing team, we can now offer partners improved contact to the Billing Team. This will ensure that the highest level of billing support is available to partners.
In order to achieve this and also to enable a fast response time there is now a dedicated e-mail address for partner billing enquires. Please send your billing enquiries to billing@zenpartner.com. These e-mails will then receive priority status.
 |
Gold and Platinum Partner contact Roxanne Simpson
|
In addition to this improved system we are now able to offer all Gold and Platinum Partners a dedicated Billing Contact, Roxanne Simpson.
For more information on the Billing team and processes, please contact the Billing team on:
0845 058 9000 (Menu Option 5) or check out the Billing PDF in the related link below.
A Guide to Billing.pdf
The Customer Billing Manager is Pamela Hope.
Zen Internet is pleased to announce the development of a unique dedicated server for one of their partners, Rochdale Online.
This has involved the building and management of a dedicated server to host Rochdale Online’s own Web presence and multiple customer Web sites.
Rochdale Online http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk is an important source of local information in the Rochdale area, and their Web site covers many areas from local news to sport and entertainment.
The Web design and development side of the business is extremely successful and had outgrown the database functionality available with their current hosting space. Rochdale Online therefore turned to Zen Internet with their request for a bespoke dedicated server solution, due to their long-standing relationship with the ISP and position as a Gold ZenPartner. This is the first contract of its kind at Zen, but after reviewing the requirements, the Hosting Team were able to meet the expectations of the Rochdale company. This involved producing a managed server that would have the capability of supplying a full range of Web hosting solutions from a single central management facility.
Ian Kimber, Technical Director at Rochdale Online, explained: “Complex e-Commerce sites sometimes require a combination of different hosting packages which can make management of these a headache. The managed server solution from Zen brings all these together in one place and simplifies administration. Rochdale Online can therefore concentrate on what we do best, designing and building Web sites, remaining confident that our business can continue to grow and our future hosting requirements are protected."
Zen’s dedicated hosting team keeps the system patched and up to date with all security fixes. Maximum server performance and availability is also provided by Zen through a fully managed and maintained operating system and server hardware. Microsoft SQL Server was the obvious choice, and is a key component of the managed server. Rochdale Online now have complete control over the full range of database functions including security, stored procedures, triggers and user defined functions through the SQL Server.
Iain Johnstone of Zen Internet commented: “Rochdale Online is a highly valued ZenPartner and our dedicated Hosting Team worked to provide them with this unique managed solution. As they are connected to Zen’s award winning Internet backbone, via TeleCity’s state of the art data centre in Manchester, they can be assured of a high quality and reliable service. With increased control over their server, they can continue to grow as a successful Web site design and development business.”
ZenPartner.com continues to grow, adding more functionality and greater benefits each month. The latest enhancement comes in the form of a knowledgebase section…
The ZenPartner knowledgebase is designed to be a central source for all the frequently asked questions that Partners tend to raise as well as a forum for Partners to share hints, tips and advice.
“Whilst all Partners are different and operate in a number of business areas, there are many common questions that seem to be asked and lots of information which is regularly requested. The knowledgebase will become the easiest place to look for the answers,” explains Stephen Dykes, ZenPartner Programme Team Leader.
The knowledgebase section of the ZenPartner portal can be accessed by logging in and then clicking on the ‘knowledgebase’ button on the left hand menu. Initially you will be able to suggest articles and questions that you want to feature on the knowledgebase but once we have a bank of data, you will then be able to access this.
“We are looking for Partners to suggest questions or articles that are relevant to them and we will be adding articles as and when they are brought to our attention. That way the knowledgebase will become a library of questions and answers for Partner specific queries,” adds Gill Cummings, Training Co-ordinator for the ZenPartner Programme. “Everything from questions about policies and procedures to product data and sales information will be found in one central place, making life easier for Partners.”
Running alongside the ZenSupport knowledgebase (http://www.zensupport.co.uk/knowledgebase) the ZenPartner knowledgebase is designed purely for Partner specific questions.
To access the new ZenPartner knowledgebase and suggest an article simply log into the portal at http://www.zenpartner.com and then click on the ‘knowledgebase’ button on the left hand menu.
ZenPartner would like to welcome all the new ZenPartners who have recently joined the scheme! We look forward to a long partnership and working together to offer the best support and solutions to customers.
Muzahir Kapasi, Manager at Xara Computers who have recently joined programme, commented: “Joining the ZenPartner Programme will allow us to continue to deliver high levels of satisfaction and focused value to our customers, and will be instrumental in our future growth. We are actively tendering for new business which needs advice on Internet connections and services and this gives us the perfect opportunity to resell Zen’s products.”
 |
Murali Krishnan and Adaan Talibhusein from Xara Computers
|
Xara Computers
(http://www.xaracorporation.com)specialise in information technology solutions. Since inception in 1995 they have grown and developed in line with the technical growth in the industry, increasing areas of expertise and providing more and more related services, including: Computer Networking, Internet Connectivity & Security, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Network Security, Satellite, Telecoms, Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP) and System Maintenance.
Iain Johnstone, Sales and Partner Programme Manager at Zen Internet, said: “We are confident that Xara Computers will prove to be a valuable addition to our rapidly expanding Partner Programme. They are already making a quick rise through the partner levels in the short time that they have been with us! We look forward to working together with them to offer the best support and resources in order that they continue to exceed their client’s expectations.”
Here at the partner programme we are always looking to help promote our partners (new and existing) both in the ZenPartner newsletter and via press releases that Zen distributes.
If you are interested in becoming more involved with promoting your business through the ZenPartner programme please contact your Account Manager or e-mail theeditor@zenpartner.com.
|
Back to Top
