Amen
The European web hosting provider Amen markets the CM4all WebsiteCreator software in UK, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. All customers of Amen can create a professional website with the CM4all WebsiteCreator, which they can very easily edit and maintain in the browser. In addition to the localisation capabilities of the homepage tool kit, the outstanding usability and scalability were decisive factors by Amen in choosing WebsiteCreator.
Amen – successful company within Claranet group
Amen is a successful European Internet hosting and domain provider with currently more than 100’000 customers.
Since July 2005, Amen is a part of UK based Claranet.
Claranet is providing a comprehensive range of Internet access, hosting, e-commerce and IP security solutions throughout the UK, France, Germany and Spain, Claranet is one of the largest ISPs in Europe.
Amen offers hosting solutions to small and medium-sized companies (SME) in France, UK, Italy, Spain and Portugal with competitive prices and an aggressive marketing strategy.
Decision for CM4all WebsiteCreator
An inherent part of marketing strategy is the integration of the CM4all WebsiteCreator into the range of Amen hosting services since 2003. A homepage tool kit should do more than just attract new customers – it should also increase loyalty among existing customers. The basic requirement by Amen for the software was its ability to be localised for the various target markets. In addition, it was important to find a system that could be scaled to permit high numbers of users that could still be operated cost-effectively in Amen computing centres.
“We were searching for a software solution that not only offered our hosting customers real added-value compared with the competition, but also one that was easy internationally applicable.”
Patrick Chassany, founder of Amen
Amen decided to use the CM4all WebsiteCreator from the Cologne-based Content Management AG (CM-AG) in summer 2003. The software was to be licensed for all Amen hosting packages in Europe and offered in various product variants.
“In addition to the strict requirements for localisation, it was ultimately the outstanding usability and scalability of the CM4all WebsiteCreator that convinced us, as there is nothing comparable on the market at present.”
Adjustment and localisation of CM4all WebsiteCreator
CM-AG has customised the entire GUI of the software to fit the corporate identity of Amen. The CM4all server software was implemented in Amen’s computer centre and successively launched in French, English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese language versions. In addition to the language-adapted user interface, the localised software versions also include implemented branch-specific navigation suggestions relevant to the particular Amen operation.
Amen’s hosting customers can use the CM4all WebsiteCreator software online via their web browsers in order to create their own professional websites. In addition to a large number of design templates and a WYSIWYG editor for processing the online contents, there are numerous additional features such as flash intro, photo albums, guest books, news tickers, forums, online surveys, location and route planners, which are all included in the scope of services.
New sales potential thanks to the CM4all WebsiteCreator
The exact range of functions offered by the CM4all WebsiteCreator was coordinated with Amen. Every hosting package includes a 2 page version of the software, which enables all Amen customers to publish and maintain 2 web pages. Unlimited pages and further functions are available at an additional rate.
“Naturally we are counting on additional sales through our existing customers in this respect. People who have previously created their websites with the CM4all WebsiteCreator will soon be wanting more, e.g. the route planner, a discussion forum or online photo album”, said Patrick Chassany, founder of Amen.
These upgrade possibilities create additional sales potential for Amen and are particularly appealing to new target groups for their hosting products.
“Of course, the CM4all WebsiteCreator is also a convincing showcase for new customers, who can finally have an online presence without having to overcome technical obstacles.”
Amen introduced additional language versions at the end of 2004.
Amen Group was purchased by UK based Clara.net in 2005 and is an important part of their European operation.