Melbourne IT Makes Foray in Southeast Asia, Lands First Client in PHL

Australian Internet service company Melbourne IT (ASX: MLB) has clinched its first Philippine client to mark the start of its foray in the Southeast Asian country.

Melbourne IT forged the agreement with PDB SME Solutions, which operates the small and medium enterprise (SME) website sme.com.ph. Melbourne IT Executive Vice President and General Manager Lori Harmon and PDB SME Solutions chair and president Jesus P. Tambunting signed the agreement at the latter's office in Makati City on Nov. 24.

Under the deal, Melbourne IT will create e-commerce websites for sme.com.ph subscribers, which are SMEs, starting next year. The service will include domain name registration, website hosting and e-mail. The websites will retain PDB SME Solutions' online banking tools that allow sme.com.ph subscribers to apply for a loan or open a checking account.

Harmon said the agreement will provide Philippine SMEs a one-stop shop to get their business online and gives them access to the entire Philippine and global markets.

"Instead of having to go to multiple companies to set up the website, you can go to one company so you can focus on doing your own business," Harmon explained.

"It will help make their business a lot more successful and grow faster by building up their brand and selling products online," she added.

Tambunting said the partnership with Melbourne IT will further improve the efficiency of bank service delivery while allowing SMEs to better manage their web properties. He added that the partnership will make SMEs more adept and prolific on e-commerce.

Melbourne IT started as domain name registrar in 1996. It now offers web hosting, email and online marketing services. Its service also includes online brand protection and management aimed at maintaining a company's name and reputation as well as anti-counterfeiting.

PDB SME Solutions has been providing SMEs with online resources and tools in managing their business through sme.com.ph. For example, subscribers can download government forms related to business operation or check foreign exchange rate.

The SME portal's SMEStore not only lists products for sale but facilitates purchase of listed products. The SME Biz Talk is the portal's online forum that promotes networking among subscribers.