Corporate Blogging: A new marketing communication tool for companies

A corporate blog is a marketing communication tool for companies. There are three types of blog: Internal blogs, external blogs and CEO blogs. Internal blogs are accessed through corporation’s intranet that only employees can view. External blogs are publicly available weblog where employees, teams, spokespersons and others people can share their views. It is often use to announce their new products and services. While the CEO blog is blog between CEOs.
Many organizations used the corporate blog to sell and promote their products. They provide information about their products in the blog and try to handle queries from customers in the comments area instead of calling them. Customers are easier to search their products by using blog. They can find the latest, more accurate information about those new products, and customers can leave their suggestion and complaints.
Corporate blogging helps companies to accomplish business objective. There are some guidelines that may help the blog to be more success.
1. Companies have to be more concern about the liability, exclusion and limitation that will lead to legal issues.
2. The management have to know what blogs are and how they might affect the business. They can contribute members of the blog and improving the employees relation, causes the blog more effective.
3. A company should have some policies to ensure trade secret or financial information do not become public.
4. Blog have to update constantly to keep the readers visit it. Post up the latest news of the products and make it more creative will attract more customers.
5. Make an atmosphere for the employees to asserting their opinions and concerns. The management will be more understand what their employee feeling in their works and also build relation between employees.

http://csr.blogs.mcdonalds.com/

http://mariosundar.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/the-future-of-corporate-blogging-is-the-social-media-portal/

Things that need to take notes to prevent the E-Auction fraud for customer

The increasing popularity of the Internet as a medium of commerce has generated an increase in Internet fraud, raising new and challenging legal issues in areas including online auctions. The high numbers of complaints about online auction fraud had highlighted the absence of any meaningful consumer protection for online auction participants.

So, what can you do to protect yourself, short of simply staying away from the online auctions? Now, let’s me briefly explain about things that consumer should aware in order to prevent E-auction fraud:

1. User identity verification— to verify the personal identification information of their users.
   Identity verification is a trust inducing process that enables trading partners to establish a proof of identity. Utilization of identity verification systems minimizes the risk of using fake contact information or addresses, which reduces the risk of fraud.
   
2. Authentication service—determines whether an item is genuine and described appropriately.
   Online auction participants can elect to have some offered items authenticated. The seller nominally pays for the authentication, but the payment is typically reflected in an increase in the winning bid, due to the additional security. For example: eBay is currently using Verisign, one of the leading providers of digital trust services, to provide verification services for buyers and sellers using their Consumer Authentication Service (CAS).
   
3. Grading services—Determines the condition of an item.
   The existence and quality of item that merchandise offered for sale should be represented to or evaluated by the buyer as a condition of being offered for sale on the auction site.
   
4. Feedback forum—provides users with ability to comment on their experiences with other individuals.
   Online auction participants can elect to educate themselves about their auction counterparts, with varying degrees of reliability, by accessing the online auction sites' feedback forums. The online auction sites solicit feedback from their users, in the hopes of turning their customers into the equivalent of their police force.
   
5. Insurance policy— purchase insurance for certain auction transactions
   It isn't available everywhere, but it covers you in the event of a fraudulent purchase.The online auction sites should offer insurance themselves, covering the full value of transactions, at some reasonable price. For example:eBay offers insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London at no cost to eBay users.
   Auctionwatch.com has tips and tricks for using online auction insurance.
   
6. Escrow services—Rely on trusted third parties that hold the money. (payment services)
   The function of online escrow services is a very similar system to the documentary letter of credit, and protects the interests of both buyer and seller against fraud and the risk of non-performance on one side or the other. Online escrow is often used in high value transactions.For example: eBay, recommends using escrow guarantees provided by Escrow.com for merchandise of $500 or more.
7. Fraud Protection Programmes— programmes aimed at preventing fraud.
   Examples of Fraud Protection Programmes are:
   · (i) fraud detection software programmes that scan databases and screens users for certain patterns of fraud thus enabling online auction sites to monitor or check suspected buyers or sellers to prevent fraud;
   · (ii) partial reimbursement for losses resulting from non-delivery or misrepresentation; and
   · (iii) protecting sellers against fraudulent chargebacks and unwarranted claims of non-delivery or misrepresentation
8. Appraisal services—use a variety of methods to appraise it
• Assessment of authenticity and condition
• Review of what comparable items have sold for in recent months.

Consumers can report suspected telemarketing and Internet scams to the NFIC/IFW by calling 800-876-7060 or going to www.fraud.org.The Web site also offers updated tips on telemarketing and Internet fraud. For more information about National Fraud Awareness Week, go to http://www.fraudweek.com/.

review a local e-commerce site

ComputerMalaysia.com is an online store selling software, hardware and accessories. It is a computer shop locates at Selangor. It was an initial idea of JUSTSIMPLE (M) SDN.BHD. Computer software includes Adobe, Corel Draw, Microsoft and Symantec anti-virus.

Background color consists only three color, which are red, white and black. The font puts in black color and font size is around 9, so, it may looks like simple but less attractive. However, at the left hand site of the website, there have a banner about free delivery, it may be quite attractive because the banner put in the animation way.

At the top of the pages, it has some link that may help consumer can easier link to the home page, online order ways, payment method and also ways to contact them. Categories of product also display in left hand site of home page of the website.

It also provides detailed information about their product, display picture, regular price, online order price, number of order unit and also shopping cart in homepage of the website. Function of request a quote for the consumer who cannot find the product they wish to find also available at the website, so consumer can describe the product they wish to buy to them. At the bottom of the website, there have an e-mail address for enquiries. It can consider the website that contains a lot of clear information for consumer to view. So, try to view it now, it may provide you a lot of information about computer software. www.computermalaysia.com

E-Government in Malaysia: Its implementation so far & citizen's adoption strategies

What is electronic government? Logo of e-government

E-government means the government activities that takes place by digital process over a computer network, usually the internet, WAN and mobile computing between the government & members of the public & entities in private sector, especially regulated entities. The activities which included electronic exchange of information to acquire or provide products or services, to place or receive order, to provide or obtain information or to complete financial transactions. E-government may come to define a new or transformed relationship between citizens and government enabled by networks.

Implementation of e-government started since the initiation of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in 1996 by the Malaysian government.

The implementation issues of e-government:

i) disintermediation of e-government & citizens

ii)disturbances to the status quo

iii)nature of services provided by state including environmental social, cultural, educational and consumer issues

The implementation statusof e-government project in Malaysia:

i)Generic Office Environment (GOE)

ii)Electronic Procurement (eP) project

iii)Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS)

iv)Project Monitoring System (PMS)

v)Electronic Services Directory (eServices)

vi)Electronic Labour Exchange (ELX)

vii)E-Syariah

viii)Other application: companies online tax

Factors for a successful E-government implementation in Malaysia:

i)E-government challenges existing ways of working

ii)E-government requires leadership

iii)seamless e-government service will draw agencies closer together

iv)need for ITC-related skills (technical skill & decision making skills) in government increases

v)E-government involved cooperation between government, private sector & e-government coordinators

vi)monitoring & evaluation are essential to effective e-government

The success & acceptance of e-government initiatives are dependent on citizen's wilingness to adopt & utilize these services. Success in delivering electronic services depends upon the capability & self-confidence of citizens in performing e-transaction, as well as their trust & confidence in the protection of their personal data within an open & accountable government. Many citizens in Malaysia do not use e-government because of unfamiliarity with ICT, lack of access, lack of training and concerns about privacy & security of infomation. Thus, e-government policy must consider a citizen-centered approach. This means that e-government should be an end-user or demand-driven service while e-government may provide ease & convenience in the delivery of public services and offer innovative government service to citizens.

The application of Pre-paid cash card for consumers

Prepaid Cash Card
The prepaid cash card is a stored-value card that need a personal identification number to be keyed in for the transaction to be authorized.

MALAYSIA:Touch'n Go card

Touch ‘n Go card is a prepaid smartcard that uses Mifare contactless technology.Information contain in this card can be read and written via magnetic induction using specified radio frequency and smartcard software.Each time a user uses the Touch ‘n Go card, the electronic card reader will deduct the exact fare from the value stored inside the card.

Application of Touch'n Go card:

1. Toll fare:Touch 'n Go can be used in entire highways stretches in Malaysia with the familiar TnG & SmartTAG sign marked on the road.
2. Public Transportation fees:SmartTag can be use as an integrated ticket in Kuala Lumpur public transport system.There areRapidKL , KTM Komuter , and KL Monorail .
3. Ticketless parkings:Touch 'n Go can also be used in selected parkings such as Century Square, Cyberjaya , KLIA , LCCT , Sg. Wang Plaza , 1-Utama Shopping Centre and etc.
4. Admission fees:Currently only one theme park has Touch 'n Go facility as an alternative in paying its admission fees which is Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort .
5. Retail Outlets: Fast Foods restaurants( A&W* Burger King* Dunkin Donuts*)
   Convenience stores(7-Eleven* Caltex Star Mart* )
   Hypermarkets(Carefour* )
   Cinemas (Cathay Cineleisure*)

The various design of Touch'n Go Card:

Visit Malaysia Year 2007 Special Edition Cards

Smile Your Miles Away New Generic Card












Life on the RoadSpecial Edition Cards

Puteri Gunung Ledang Limited Edition Card

Life in the Fast Lane new generic cards

CJ7 Special Edition Card

HONG KONG:Octopus card

Octopus is an electronic payment system using a contactless smartcard.It has been internationally recognised, winning the Chairman's Award of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance's 2006 Global IT Excellence Award for being the world's leading complex automatic fare collection and contactless smartcard payment system, and for its innovative use of technologies.

Card Usage:

•The card is designed to accommodate multiple service providers from both the transport and non-transport sectors, allowing multi-application developments to provide more convenience to the public.

•Multi-usage with one single card:Octopus’ services range from transport, parking, retail, self-service business, leisure facilities, schools, and access control.
• Easy reloading:Octopus enables numerous reloading points and a wide range of reloading channels, including Octopus Automatic Add Value Service through a credit card.
• Discounts and Loyalty Programs:Cardholders using Octopus for payment can use the discounts or loyalty programs provided by a number of service providers.

The Octopus Rewards program, launched in November 2005, enables customers to earn and redeem Rewards dollars with their registered Octopus cards, regardless of the method of payment.

Today, Octopus Rewards covers different aspects of life, and participating partners include 188 Pets Supermarket, Arome Bakery, CHICKEEDUCK, Chinchilla Land, Délifrance, Fairwood Fast Food, Fotomax Photofinishing Shop, HSBC, Market Place by Jasons, McDonald's, Paradise Mall, Pet Convenience, Pets Forest, Q-PETs, Red Carrot, Sanrio Kids, Swire Coca-Cola HK, Telford Plaza, UA Cinemas and Wellcome.

For more details, please visit the Octopus Rewards website, or call the Octopus Rewards Customer Hotline at 3690 1313.

Electronic Currency

What is electronic currency?

Electronic currency means currency that used on the internet related field just like email. It is also called electronic money, digital money or digital currency. The examples of electronic currency are Electronic Funds Transfer and direct deposit.

Many users make their payments electronically rather than in person. Hundreds of electronic payment systems have been developed to provide secure Internet transaction. Some examples of electronic micropayment system that involved in electronic currency such as BitPass (shut down in Jan 2007), Firstgate's Click & Buy, Payloadz, Paystone Technologies, Peppercoin, etc.

These systems are the systems of debit and credit used to exchange value within another system or itself as a stand alone system either online or offline. It is safe & efficient way for suppliers & customers to trade.

Payloadz offers a unique digital download delivery service for anyone wishing to sell intangible goods online such as software, eBooks, music, movies, digital arts, form, files and anything else that can be downloaded.

Payloadz.com automated service delivers your products to your customers instantly after payment. So, you must create an account for free before you start to use Payloadz.com.

There are some benefits of Payloadz:

i) free lifetime basic account first month free for all premium account

ii) secure file storage on their serves

iii) automated delivery of your digital goods immediately after payment

iv) sell anywhere online your own site

v) support downloads and CD fulfillment.

Moblie payment systems in malaysia:its potentials and customers' adoption strategies

It is the first time I heard about the mobile payment system, I think it is because the system is not quite popular in Malaysia. However, as the increase of petrol price and it directly lead to increase of transportation cost, it may be helpful for us as it can help us to save transportation fees. Furthermore, it also helps us save our time and enjoys its convenience. For the definition of mobile payment system, it is a point-of-sale payment made through a mobile device, such as cellular telephone. MM wallet is the mobile payment system that is available in Malaysia nowadays. You can use it by sms your money in your mobile phone to anyone at anytime, u also can pay bills including credit card bills and loan repayment from house. But, before you are allowed to do so, you need to create an account which is MM wallet account. Any further information, you are encouraged to visit the following links: http://www.mobile-money.com/ .

In year 2008, there have been 25 million of mobile phone subscribers in Malaysia; however, there have only 460,000 subscribers for mobile payment system.

In order to encourage consumer to adopt mobile payment systems, it should enhance consumer confidence toward security, safety and reliability of the systems. It can also educate consumers through seminar or advertisement about the function and the usage of mobile payment system. Furthermore, it should increase the number of company that can accept mobile payment system.