realmdigital

10 Reasons Why Websites are Cooler than Brochures

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:18:43 +0200

Well even if you believe your company has no place on the web and are confident it is just a bricks and mortar kind of place, we are here to show you that there are some very valuable aspects of having a website for all businesses. These 10 points will highlight all the important things a website can offer your company and marketing strategy that a brochure cannot.

Visibility and audience - no geographical barriers

A website gives one enormous exposure due to it stretching across geographical spaces and allowing a much larger audience find your brand and business offerings. The brand therefore becomes far more visible and greater awareness is achieved.
More tools to engage with you brand

With the way the web is designed there are far more channels to expose one�s brand and business due to the various tools out there. The web is a two-way communication channel and therefore it enables consumers to engage with the brand at various levels and in different ways. This could be through information provided or web PR with twitter campaigns, online advertising or viral competitions. It appeals to far more people.
Measurability

The most important function of a website and the web is the fact that it is measurable. Unlike traditional media channels like print and T.V where one is very rarely able to obtain accurate stats, analytic tools on the web and conversion software allows for exact numbers and stats from who visited the website to who read the newsletters. This enables to constantly track and monitor the effectiveness of any online activities and change them at any given stage.
Customized

A website can be designed to appeal to a very specific consumer or audience. This can also be achieved with the use of e-Marketing tools such as SEO techniques and PPC campaigns which targets a specific consumer with keywords.
Cheaper - content can be changed easily

Content is managed in real time therefore it makes it more current and up to date and saves the hassle of always trying to implement new things and start over.
Improves credibility

Having a good-looking and functional website provides a clear and positive image of the brand. If the consumer has not had previous contact with the brand, the website is of vital importance. This also increases credibility as one is able to provide enticing information for the user and helps improve consumer perceptions.
Adds convenience and value to the customer

A website often provides useful information and resources for a consumer, thereby improving the convenience and value of the brand and makes it more attractive to the consumer. This also diversifies revenue streams.
Affordable market research with polls and quizzes and competitions

One is able to create and utilize online tools such as polls and competitions for consumers to engage with the brand and get a specific message across. All this is measurable and literally comes at very little cost.
24/7 real time

A great thing about a website on the web is that it is open all the time. That means people can access information about the business whenever they want and does not need extra manpower in order to make this efficient.
Tools like ordering and payments greatly reduce time and effort of employees

There are many tools and functions that can be automated with a website so that it makes the life of all employees better and systems are able to be out in place to ensure the most efficient running of activities.

Tourism Competition Craziness!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:14:48 +0200

My document title

Realmdigital is going to be at the e-Tourism Africa Summit held in Johannesburg from the 1st -2nd of December 2009. This is sure to be a very exciting and informative conference and everyone involved with the tourism and travel industries should be there!

We are very proud to be a part of this event and with our very own Wesley Lynch presenting alongside some of the key industry players in both tourism and technology sectors; it is set to be an experience of note!

The Prize!

To show how excited we are to be attending and presenting, we have decided to give the chance for someone to come along with the Realm Crew to the e-tourism Africa Summit and enjoy this fantastic opportunity.

The prize includes:

Free entrance to the two day e-Tourism Africa Summit in Johannesburg
Access pass to all sessions and seminars
Lunch, snacks and refreshments provided for two days
Delegate gift pack
All to the value of $350.00 (R 6,730.00)

(Must pay for own flights and accommodation if not in Johannesburg)

How to Enter:

Log on to Twitter
Follow Realmdigital
Create and send a "tweet" using @Realmdigital and the words tourism, internet and trip
Make sure you use all three words
The most original tweet wins!!
If you do not have a Twitter account, simply subscribe to the Realmdigital newsletter to enter.

It really is that simple! You might just find yourself rubbing shoulders with the most influential players in the industry.

This really is not an event to be missed, so get tweeting now!

Realmdigital Nominated in the Jump Awards

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:40:00 +0200

Realmdigital has made it to the next round of the South African E-Commerce Awards 2009! Thanks to a huge amount of support, Realmdigital has made the shorlist in the "e-Commerce Enabler" category. Voting for the public is now open, so vote for Realmdigital as an e-Commerce Enabler and help us get through to the last round! Your support is greatly appreciated!

Vote for us!

MS Group Digs Deep

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:42:21 +0200

Who is the MS Group?

The MS Group is a broad spectrum company covering a range of endeavors including mineral consulting, exploration and drilling services, laboratory support, software development, aviation and engineering. It is a large and dynamic business with 120 passionate people creating a team of diverse skills and offerings. The headquarters are based in Cape Town and Vancouver but also operates in Botswana, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Ireland, UK, Guernsey, Mauritius and Sweden.

The Project

The client needed a content managed site for each company and it was essential that each company site reflected its own identity. This was achieved using Platform�s theme functionality whereby each company uses a specific theme. The client also required flexibility to change the site layout depending on each company�s specific layout requirements.

Website Functionality

The MS Group website is built on Realm Platform.
The site utilizes company themes so each company section uses different CSS styles for a more personalized design.
The website supports customizable layouts using containers so a user can arrange the site elements to suit the requirements of the client.
Snippet effects allow the user to set specific effects on different content snippets. This can be seen on the MS Group website in the form of the snippet accordion effects.

Check out the MS Group Website.

�

Realm Platform Multi-site Functionality

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:01:49 +0200

Platform’s multi-site functionality enables the following:

Manage the content of all the websites from one secure location.
Allow Platform users access to all websites or a select few.
Track the usage and statistics of all the websites in one secure location, allowing for a more holistic e-business model.
Track user modifications of all content for all websites in one secure location, allowing for more control and user error accountability.
Share customers and newsletter subscribers across all websites allowing for cross marketing.
Share content across all websites, eliminating the need for duplicating data.
Websites are hosted from one account and in one place, so there is no need to have multiple hosting accounts.

So ultimately every aspect of your e-business can be administrated from one secure location.

An example of the multi-site functionality is the MiX Telematics website. This website was a very large project as there are many regional companies under the MiX banner, all targeted at different audiences. It made sense that a user should be able to logon to one backend system and view all the different websites from that account. This is exactly what Platform did. A user can logon to one Platform account and view the content of all the websites in different countries, change anything on each region and essentially manage each individual website from place.

Many content management systems do not enable multiple websites to be managed from one system and basically require the user to have multiple backend systems, where each one manages a different website. In the MiX Telematics case, this would mean a minimum of 5 Platform systems, each requiring a separate logon to make changes or manage the content. This is impractical, annoying and just doesn’t make sense.

Realm Platform offers a more holistic and user-friendly content management system, and focuses on the enterprise industry, ensuring the costs are significantly reduced. Use Platform to build your website and see the awesome things you can achieve.

Hetzner PHP 4 discontinuation

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:03:24 +0200

What is PHP?

PHP is a programming language used for building dynamic websites. A dynamic web page provides an interactive experience, as the page can change in response to different contexts or conditions.

PHP 4 versus PHP 5

PHP 5 is the new improved version of PHP filling the shoes of the outdated PHP 4 which has been supporting websites since 2000.

PHP 5 offers a host of improvements to the aging PHP 4 including security fixes and speed, stability and usability enhancements. PHP 5 also provides developers with a host of new tools to allow them to make more powerful websites.

What does this mean for you?

In 2007, Zend Technologies announced the discontinuation of PHP4, meaning that security updates for PHP4 will no longer be available. Hetzner continued to offer support for websites running on PHP4 websites until November 2009.

Due to this discontinuation, websites running on the Hetzner infrastructure and any version of Platform earlier than version 4.2 will cease to function once the servers are upgraded to PHP5.

Realmdigital will be contacting all our customers on support to discuss this move over the next month.

Spring time with Bloomestate

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:02:22 +0200

Bloomestate takes pride in their balance between nature and architecture, ensuring that this retreat emanates a feeling of harmony and tranquility for those restless souls. Each aspect of the guesthouse and surrounds follows a blueprint of eclectic design and interesting elements, making this a haven like no other. Each of the seven garden rooms has their own distinctive theme with unusual, quirky features and colours that constantly entice the eye and rejuvenate the mind.

Due to the very specific identity of Bloomestate, it was essential for the website to reveal the importance of style and architecture that is prominent throughout the guesthouse. The focus was on the use of colour mixed with clear navigation and functionality that truly captures the essence of Bloomestate.

The use of space was essential in creating the website, as it needed to express the calm and openness one finds within Swellendam and the guesthouse. This was achieved with the positioning of content and the extensive use of images to break the page up in clear sections.

The clear main navigation ensures that each page is kept clean and logical and allows users to easily find what they are looking for easily.

The Bloomestate website is fully content managed with Realm Platform and utilizes the following functionality:

Content managed banner images allowing the user to select which banner effect they would like to use.
Nightsbridge widget allowing for online booking on the Nightsbridge online booking system

So what are you waiting for? Celebrate the wonderful Spring weather and take a trip to Swellendam to enjoy this luxurious guesthouse. If you like what you found on the website, then give us a call and let us help you transform your website into something spectacular!

Realm Platform 4.2 Release

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:59:47 +0200

Not only have we refreshed the software but we have added some more awesome functionality to give you the best, most holistic website management tool available.

The most important update of Platform 4.2 is that it runs off PHP 5 rather than PHP 4. This means increased reliability, improved support and superior speed for your website.

New functionality

Realm Platform 4.2 has some great new features added to enhance its usability and security. The new functionality ensures optimal performance and a greater ease of use that really simplifies your content management. Below is a list of all the exciting things you can find in the new version.

Stability and bug fixes

A number of stability issues have been eliminated to reduce frustration and improve the daily functioning of Platform.

Improved multi site tool

This functionality improvement allows Platform users to manage multiple sites from a single Platform installation with a central login. This is perfect for companies running multiple product or regional focussed websites.

Content Versioning

All content is now versioned and saved, enabling the user to roll back to any previous content quickly and easily.

Content Expiry Support

This handy little bit of functionality allows the user to have complete control of the duration of which content is visible on their website by offering the ability to schedule the publication date of content, as well as the ability to schedule the unpublication date of content.

Simply set up the desired dates when adding content, sit back and let Platform take care of the rest.

Shareprice widget

The new Shareprice widget allows customers to display current market share statistics on their websites using a live feed.

Integration

Platform 4.2 now offers integration with the following software.

OpenX Ad Server

OpenX is the world's leading independent open source ad server which allows you to make money from advertising.

Nightsbridge

Nightsbridge is a service that enables you to take realtime, online bookings through your website.

Streetmaps

Streetmaps provides road and satellite maps for Africa. Platform users can implement maps on the website for accurate directions and points of interest.

For more information on Realm Platform 4.2 please email us or give us a call on 0219750959.

RSS Feeds 101

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:04:32 +0200

It is for this exact reason that we love showing our clients cool and simple tools that just make your web experience a little more pleasant.

This simple tool is for those that want to stay informed and keep abreast of current news and information, without having to search for it every day. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds are nifty systems that deliver constantly changing web content right into your mailbox.

All you have to do is find the websites you are interested in and add them to your list of RSS feeds, bearing in mind the website has to offer RSS. Anytime new content, news or products are added to that website, it will be sent directly to your inbox without you having to lift a finger.

RSS feeds are not like a newsletter subscription, where you receive general information about the brand or product in an edited version. This technology pulls information from the website each time it is updated, keeping you right on top of what is happening on your favourite sites. It saves you time by not having to go and check the website and increases privacy as you don’t have to submit any details to receive the feeds.

The other brilliant aspect is that there is a huge amount of support for it. RSS feeds can be linked to Microsoft Outlook, iGoogle and various other web technologies, making life that much easier. Realm Platform also utilizes the RSS feed, so that you are able to keep all your information stored in one place.

So what are you waiting for? Get your RSS reader and start building your own library of fantastic content now.

Get your brand scoring goals

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:05:19 +0200

Realmdigital MD Wesley Lynch says players form teams and compete against each other by forecasting or predicting the performance of real life sportsmen in actual sports tournaments. “Players organized in teams would log onto a Fantasy Sport League (FSL) website usually a few days before the actual sport event, and log their predictions. Points are assigned after the real-life outcome of a game, and FSL players with the best forecasts win prizes.

“The simulation gaming aspects are there, but the real fun is derived from competing against friends and colleagues. Sites are very sticky, and players come back for more, resulting in an intense frequency of visits to a site, which translates into a brand’s association with a certain sport, and an opportunity to build and capture details for marketing databases.” he says.

FSL is a marketing tool gaining much appreciation momentum from companies especially sports brands and corporate that sponsor sport events in South Africa and abroad.

“FSL is a great tool for brand awareness, promotion and customer acquisition. Overseas, well-known brands sponsoring major sporting events, such as AOL, Ford, Land Rover and Fox, would often run these leagues.” says Lynch. Realmdigital conceptualizes games, then designs and builds the FSL sites, and provides software for collecting and processing data and statistics to determine scores. It acts as a league commissioner for companies such as IOL, Vodacom, Brandhouse and SA Rugby in major and international tournaments.

Industry regulator Fantasy Sports Trade Association last year estimated fantasy sports leagues have annual revenues of US$ 1 billion in the USA, and that the universe size of avid players has a head count of 27 million Americans.

Many creative agencies remain conservative and aren’t willing to take risks – this is a key brand tool, he points out. “Extending campaigns by simply digitizing magazine, print or TV ads seriously undermines the opulence of the web, which is the new creative frontier. Here, rules are meant to be broken, as the web is an “evolving artist’s canvas”, says Lynch.

If you are interested in sponsoring an FSL game or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or email us.

Optimize your website with Realm Platform and Google

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:11:36 +0200

Wouldn’t it be really great though if you could find out exactly how well your website is performing and just how much business is being generated through it? What if you could obtain information that shows you how to better your website each month?

Well, luckily that’s the sole purpose of Google Analytics!

It is essential to monitor your website on a continuous basis to ensure you are getting the most from it. There is very little point in spending so much time on the design and functionality if you are not prepared to spend time optimizing your online presence. Understanding your website’s performance radically increases its value.

Google Analytics is open source software that easily integrates into your site and is 100% free. It uses specific coding to track your website and provides vital feedback and information about your site including visitor profiles, conversions and key words. It helps you understand who your visitors are, where they are coming from and what they are looking at.

Realmdigital appreciates the immense value found in Google Analytics and therefore Realm Platform has been designed to instantly integrate with this tool to efficiently track and examine every page on your site. This means that one does not have to venture out of the Platform system to check your Analytics account, thereby allowing one to easily perform all online actions in one simple place.

If you are currently using Realm Platform you can add Google Analytics support in the "Statistics" module.

The newsletter module in Realm Platform also integrates seamlessly with Google Analytics. Each newsletter is automatically added as a campaign in your Google Analytics account, allowing you to track and manage the effectiveness of your newsletter campaign with your other campaigns such Pay Per Click (PPC) all in one place.

If you are currently not using Google Analytics click here to start analyzing or email info@realmdigital.co.za for more information.

To find out more about how Realm Platform integrates with Analytic Tools, click here.

It's Always "Better At Home"

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:20:33 +0200

This mindset however can be more damaging to the brand than not being on the web at all, due to the fact that a customer often forms an opinion from what is available on the website.

Better at Home is a UK based company which offers excellent personal care conveniently within one’s own home. The company has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 1999 by providing professional help and companionship while still allowing one to live independently. Better at Home is a perfect example of a medium sized company who realized the increasing significance of a good-looking and easy-to-use website.

The purpose of the Better at Home website was to provide simple and logical user navigation, comprehensive but uncluttered information and most importantly a quick and efficient way of being contacted. Realmdigital needed to have a clear understanding of the target audience for this website in order for it to be effective and accessible and based much of the functionality on those requirements.

The new website exudes simplicity and usability while serving the intended purpose in a more appealing manner, and portrays a good impression of the existing brand. This is a great illustration of merging specific client requirements, functionality and creativity with Realm Platform to ensure that from now on it truly is always “better at home.”

View the website

End of the Captain Morgan Fantasy League

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:31:25 +0200

A fantastic tournament was played, however the Captain Morgan Fantasy League players could give SA rugby a run for their money with their knowledge and betting skills! It was a tight race right to the end with only 50 points differentiating 1st, 2nd and 3rd. However there has to be a winner and the Realmdigital Crew would like to congratulate Jaco Jonker from the Butchboys team on claiming 1st prize.

The Captain Morgan Rugby League was a great success and we would like to thank Captain Morgan and Chaos Computers for their fantastic sponsorships and incredible prizes. Thanks to all those fans that participated and fought till the bitter end, we hope to you at the next league!

Best Practice Guide for Digital Advertising

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:27:00 +0200

The Online Publishers Association's (OPA�s) objective for 2009 is to continue to highlight the importance of quality digital design.� Ben Wagner CEO of Stonewall + and OPA Head of Creative, in collaboration with leading digital figureheads, has created a Best Practice Guide for Online Advertising, highlighting key factors which determine effective online creative.

Brand Prominence

Ensure that the brand is prominently displayed on all frames

Frame Messaging

Each frame should attempt to communicate the following:

Product brand awareness
Communicate message/benefits/differentiation
Communicate brand like-ability/reason to purchase or call to action

Ad Effectiveness

Think carefully about using rich media, particularly �reveal� ad formats.
Viewers are confronted with content and don�t have time to interact with obscure creative. 3 seconds is the gap you have.
Understand your audience, a rich media campaign won�t work for a low band user.

Message Simplicity

This is an ad, not a brochure. Focus on the message and use the creative concept to push the message home.
Don�t over elaborate with complexity and multiple message points, 7 words is the maximum for your message.

Include a URL in the advertising

Enough said

Engage, but don�t make people work for the message

Viewers should never have to labour to understand your ad
Interaction with the ad should be easy, not complicated
Use interactive formats to reveal more information via drill-down or roll-over.

Persuasion vs Awareness

If your objective is persuasion rather than awareness, be careful not to annoy the site visitor
Avoid highly obtrusive ads
Remember targeting is critical - don�t show irrelevant ads to people

Integrate online creative concepts with offline

Use creative elements that are consistent with offline ads.

Try to avoid �border� ads � ad sizes that frame the content of a webpage

They train site visitors to focus on the centre of the page and tune out ads.
Rectangle ad sizes do not frame content and are therefore more noticeable.

Test creative vs placement

Online offers flexibility around changing creative and placement environments that other media channels don�t offer
Test creative options and see which executions are giving you the best results, ie. Click through ratios.

Platform Community Edition Mission

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:29:45 +0200

This is a major development for Realmdigital as it not only requires a dramatic mind shift for the brand but also movement into a whole other sphere of business namely free software. There has been much debate around the topic of downloadable software especially within the South African environment and what the pros and cons are for businesses. With this in mind our team, after much deliberation have decided to formulate a community edition of the Platform software which incorporates all the basic and necessary functionalities one needs for a complete backend system. This version will be free and in downloadable format on the Realmdigital website, thereby allowing for a high quality alternative to other free software currently available. If you are a developer, freelancer or agency and are interested in using this Platform version as a trial, please contact us to find out more about the software and how it can benefit you.

The date for the Realm Platform Community Edition launch will be announced soon, so keep an eye open for this great new offering.

Full steam ahead with the new iKapa website

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:37:31 +0200

Who is iKapa?

iKapa Tours and Travel is a South African based Inbound Destination Management company who specialize in a range of travel and tour related services. Founded in 1994, iKapa has grown into one South Africa�s top tour brands with strong relationships both locally and internationally, thereby allowing for competitive prices and incomparable service.

iKapa offers a large variety of services which includes:

An assortment of tours across the African continent
Accommodation in over a thousand venues
Luxury Rail which offers 5 star train travel
Coach hire and car hire for all travelers
Airport/hotel transfers
Air Charter and Helicopter excursions
Cruise, yachting and launch trips
Private home dinners for those wanting something a little more personal

And many more exciting offers for a more unique encounter.

iKapa�s greatest advantage however is operating their own fleet of luxury vehicles, which enhances their ability to monitor safety and service at all times and provide each traveler with an exclusive and personal travel experience.

The Project

Due to iKapa�s expansive business growth, the company needed a more functional website that incorporated all the current services and products but allowed for new items to be added and adjusted in a quick and easy manner. A brand makeover was also required and this needed to reflect in the website design and layout, allowing for a clean and simple image which Realmdigital�s designers aimed for in all areas of the site.

Realmdigital focused a lot of time on the layout of the site to ensure the usability and functionality was completely maximized, and the site was easy to navigate by all users. Platform was used to provide users with full content management abilities, thereby encouraging relevancy and real time changes. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) was automatically implemented using Platform to improve search rankings and brand awareness from the onset.

Major Functionalities

The site is fully content managed using Realmdigital's Platform software which allows for easy content changes.
The website and backend system has a full tour and accommodation catalogue so that items can be edited or removed as tours and venues change in a very simple manner.
The site incorporates a comprehensive tour and accommodation search function which increases the usability aspect of the site so users can quickly find what they are looking for.
Integrated newsletter functionality and subscriber management enhances the customer relationship management and brand recognition.
The backend system has theme support allowing users to easily manage a variety of themes to suit their website needs.

Indaba Mania

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:29:13 +0200

Essentially it is a meeting point for travel related businesses from all over the world, where one is able to discuss current and upcoming trends, meet with various competitors, formulate beneficial partnerships or just walk around the ICC and gaze at some of the most extravagant stands you will ever see.

Other than stand gazing, our team had a fantastic time meeting with some brilliant companies and top brands in the travel sector, whilst following up with existing clients at the same time. These meetings were extremely beneficial as we got some great exposure on the latest Travel Platform software, which is software specifically designed for the travel industry and incorporates a range of functions such as multi-language and multi-currency tools. Through various demos and discussions we are in the process of forming some brilliant partnerships which will add another edge and service to all our clients. Our team also attended a variety of seminars which were available to all Indaba delegates, where many interesting topics were discussed about the local and international travel sectors. These talks proved to be very helpful and have allowed our team to integrate all the best practices into the Travel Platform software.

We hope to see you at the next Tourism Indaba!

For more information about the Travel Platform software and how it can improve your business, please email us at info@realmdigital.co.za

Realmdigital unveils custom tourism and hospitality software

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:38:39 +0200

Armed with this information, it only makes sense that Realmdigital has expanded their expertise to fully cater to this large audience and now provide custom developed software that fulfills all tourism and hospitality online needs. The new Travel Platform 4.0 software integrates with a variety of online services and offers a holistic package for all industry types, no matter what the requirements.

Read the full story on Travelwires.

Launch of MiX Telematics

Fri, 08 May 2009 09:44:20 +0200

Who is MiX Telematics?

MiX Telematics is a global provider of information and related services for the efficient and effective management of mobile assets.� Founded in 1997, MiX Telematics has built a solid reputation for designing, developing and selling innovative fleet management technology and services for the consumer and commercial vehicle market, primarily in four specific categories: Tracking & Tracing, Driver Safety, Fleet Management, and Compliance.

MiX Telematics has provided security, stolen vehicle recovery and personal safety solutions to consumers in South Africa since 1996 under the prominent Matrix Vehicle Tracking brand. With the largest GSM-based subscriber base in South Africa and excellent recovery rates, MiX Telematics helps protect you and your family and works under the mantra that our customers are people not vehicles.

For the commercial vehicle market, MiX Telematics designed and developed the VDO �Fleet Manager� (FM) product range, branded and sold by Siemens worldwide for over 10 years. Since May 2007, the business acquired the distribution rights for its Fleet Manager range of products from Siemens VDO and bought Siemens VDO�s UK-based fleet management and commercial vehicle outfitting businesses, including the Datatrak product range and network. These transactions significantly strengthened MiX Telematics� international distribution network for its products, giving the business a truly global footprint.

The MiX Telematics range of products and services is sold in over 75 countries and boasts an install base of over 500,000 units worldwide.

The Project

MiX Telematics needed a world class website aiming to have the best in the industry. The objective of the website was to have one global site, representing the MiX Telematics Group and then various regional websites, displaying more locally relevant information but with common look and feel. A large focus on Search Engine Optimization was made from the start in order to improve the group�s search rankings and support future online marketing initiatives. The site was built to scale as MiX Telematics grows and establishes new subsidiaries and also to allow MiX Telematics to manage it easily on their own without having to rely on 3rd parties.

Leading digital agency Stonewall+ are the brains behind the fresh and innovative design, ensuring the new MiX Telematics brand was communicated and expressed clearly to the user while enticing a browser to explore further. Realmdigital worked closely with Stonewall+ in order to fully integrate the back- end functionalities with the unique user interface and holistic e-marketing strategy.�

Salient Features

The site offers functionality allowing the administrator to manage multiple sites from a single login.
IFR integration allowing rich typography on web pages without sacrificing accessibility, search engine friendliness, or markup semantics.
Integrated Search Engine optimization (SEO) features such as SEO URLs, custom URL rewriting and auto alt tags which improves the volume and quality of traffic directed to the site through search results.

Major Functionalities

The site is fully content managed to ensure the information and content is constantly updated and ensures relevancy. This also improves the functionality of the website as errors and redundancies are easily monitored.
Content managed widget framework allowing the administrator to drastically change the page layout by repositioning different widgets.
Fully content managed flash banners allowing the user to create visually attractive flash banners
Newsletter functionality with full subscriber management
The website displays a full product catalogue which, with the use of Platform software is effortlessly updated and changes can be made on an ongoing basis. This is extremely beneficial for those managing the website as it improves the relevancy of website content. This is also beneficial for specials and promotions which can be added in the simplest way possible.
The website has integrated Web Analytics to track and target specific customers and browsers. It allows for a greater understanding of who the target market is and what are the best ways to capture their attention.

�View the new MixTelematics website!

Captain Morgan Fantasy Rugby goes live

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:45:14 +0200

Fantasy Rugby is an online sports game which allows players to challenge each other online by predicting scores and other game outcomes tied to various real life matches currently being played. With awesome electronic prizes donated by this year’s sponsor, Chaos Computers, the competition is set to be a tough.

Fantasy Rugby, which initially started out with sports fans challenging each other within companies using basic spreadsheets to manage the game, has now become a professionally run game being played across the globe with loyal players eagerly waiting for the next game to be launched when the current season comes to an end.

Fantasy games have a particularly strong following in the UK and USA focussing on games such as Fantasy Gridiron, Fantasy Football, Fantasy F1 and even Fantasy Hockey.

The Captain Morgan Fantasy Rugby game is build on and run off the online business solution, Platform, developed by Realmdigital. Realmdigital is a software solutions company based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Wesley Lynch, CEO of Realmdigital says “the success of the Fantasy Rugby games is definitely based on the competitive nature of the South African rugby community. A number of the regular players have an incredible amount of rugby knowledge which gets them to the top of the leader board.”

The Fantasy Platform allows Realmdigital customers to run any fantasy games from sports games to trivia games according to rules set by the owner.

The latest Captain Morgan Fantasy Rugby game is guaranteed to set new records with an unprecedented number of players signing up with their eyes locked on the top of the leader board so don't waste time in signing up and loading up your predictions!

Realmdigital Appoints Marcus Brewster Publicity

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:47:45 +0200

MBP, which set a record in 2008 as the most awarded PR agency in the Public Relations Institute of South Africa’s (PRISA) annual PRISM Awards, will manage the South African firm’s national and African media relations portfolio and national brand & stakeholder communications.

“As an IT & software leader in European and African markets with a client base that includes SAA, IOL, Brandhouse, Vodacom Super 14, The Department of Health, DHL, New Media Publishing and NB Publishers, Realmdigital is a perfect fit for our ‘best PR agency, best clients and brands mantra’,” says MBP managing director Hein Kaiser.

Amongst an array of digital and IT offerings , Realm’s flagship proprietary holistic e-Business software is Platform, which offers fully integrated content management systems (CMS) , e-Commerce, e-Reservations, e-Marketing, web analytics, CRM and SEO solutions for web design houses, web authors and end-users.

The company further enjoys credence as a preferred software development outsource partner for major advertising and creative agencies in the country while working closely with IT teams for blue-chip companies. Realmdigital is also the originator of fantasy sports leagues in South Africa.

“Realm’s IT & software solutions offering empowers and delivers, which further mirrors our mission, vision and culture , and outlook on ePR” says Kaiser.

Comments MBP Chairman Marcus Brewster, “It’s extremely gratifying to see that our ePR offering and IP which is integrated into all our client work has been found best-of-breed by industry heavyweight, Realmdigital.

“Last year (2008) our digital practice area was the first in South Africa to introduce the ePR convention of meta-tagging media releases so that cyber editors can cut and paste into the actual HTML design. This critical activity leads to improved search engine results for clients and MBP’s award-winning campaigns are all about measurable deliverables.”

The Realmdigital account will be headed by senior associate JP Roodt, account executive Rafeeqah Larney and candidate PR Saadiyah Marks from the Cape Town office.

Where online, offline media converge

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:57:12 +0200

"Where online, offline media converge" was the title of a short interview article�with realmdigital MD, Wesley Lynch.�Read the�full article on the business day.

Keeping it local with geo-targeting and localisation

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:06:23 +0200

Platform has excellent localization features making use of the language module. The full potential of this functionality is often only leveraged by our international clients, but it is of equal importance to the smaller players. Localization features such as multi-language and the use of geo targeting can vastly improve the visitor experience.

Take a look at your web analytics and identify your target markets and employ localization to specialize your content for those markets. Targeted content will provide far greater conversion in those regions. Contact us for more on localization and geo-targeting.

Chaos Computers goes full e-Commerce

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:34:14 +0200

Chaos Computer Systems started in June 2001. Since then it has fast become one of the market
leaders in computer components and peripherals in the Western Cape. With its three branches in
Kenilworth (Southern Suburbs), Parklands (Southern Suburbs) and Kenridge (Northern Suburbs) it
strives to continuously deliver excellent service and customer satisfaction.�

Their website has been powered by Platform for quite some time now, but they've recently expanded their website to offer full e-Commerce functionality. This allows their clients to purchase products online with integrated courier service for reliable delivery.

By providing online shopping to their clients, Chaos Computer Systems can target a broader range of clients with less manpower as the administration of these sales is largely automated due to Platform's robust functionality.

Win weekly prizes with Captain Morgan's Fantasy league

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:25:25 +0200

Captain Morgan has launched another Fantasy Rugby league. Register now as there are some great prizes to be won. Captain Morgan is offering a grand prize of a trip for 2 to Twickenham to watch South Africa take on England in November this year while Chaos Computers is sponsoring�some excellent�weekly prizes.�There are�notebooks,�surround sound systems and much more up for grabs.

Chaos Computers receives great publicity as these Fantasy Leagues gain large volumes of traffic, therefore making it an excellent platform for marketing initiatives like online advertising, sponsorships and much more.��

�

Sponsor one of our Fantasy Sports leagues to market your brand.

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:39:18 +0200

SARugby.com launches Fantasy Rugby league in partnership with Realmdigital

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:26:04 +0200

SARugby.com is an informative platform for all the latest rugby news happening in South Africa and they have just launched their own Fantasy Rugby league�in partnership with Realmdigital.

Players can pick their own fantasy teams which are rated based on their live performances on the field.

The game is highly competitive and bound to attract attention of rugby fans both locally and internationally and�is expected to grow beyond its current 26 000 unique visitors. There are great prizes to be won like a Springbok jersey signed�by Peter de Villiers so register now.

If you would like to host a fantasy league of your own, please contact us for more information or view our current games online.

�

Prohire's car hire software expands into Africa in partnership with Realmdigital

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:26:34 +0200

The Prohire software system servicing all areas of the vehicle hire industry has found a new market within the African vehicle hire industry.

The Prohire software system offers solutions for the vehicle hire industry from car, truck and minibus rentals. This software can also be tailored to meet the needs of other hiring services which means it�s not only limited to the vehicle hire industry.�

Realmdigital, an e-Business Solutions company based in South Africa has taken Prohire to meet the needs of the African market. This allows African vehicle hire companies to also reap the benefits of managing their business using Prohire

For further information on using Prohire for your business contact us or view our online demo.

Realmdigital attends Travel & Tourism Indaba 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:27:20 +0200

We're attending the 2008 Travel & Tourism Indaba from 10-13 May 2008.

INDABA is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three �must visit� events of its kind on the global calendar.�It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world. INDABA is owned by South African Tourism and organised by Kagiso Exhibitions and Events.��

We'll be attending to keep abreast of industry trends while checking in on many of our existing tourism clients exhibiting at INDABA. We also aim to make new contacts which grow into long term relationships or partnerships.

�	Contact us to set up a meeting while we're there!��

Realmdigital provides Fantasy Sports platform to Brandhouse and IOL.

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:28:04 +0200

Brandhouse launched their fantasy rugby league for this year�s Super 14 for one of their leading brands of rum, Captain Morgan. The game is targeted at rugby fans globally with the main objective being to increase their CRM database for further marketing initiatives. IOL also uses the same Fantasy Platform for its Fantasy Formula 1 league to increase their profitability by selling advertising space on the website.

�	Captain Morgan supports local rugby with sponsorships which led to the launch of their first Fantasy Rugby league. This league was launched for this year�s Super 14 and has proved to be a great success with Realmdigital�s Fantasy Platform proving the backend technology for the game. �

The game targets Captain Morgan drinkers and the general rugby population of South Africa. Here players can make their own predictions which are measured against the actual games played during the Super 14 league.

�

There are great prizes to be won like a trip to Twickenham to watch the Springboks play which takes the competitive nature of the game to new heights.��

Captain Morgan�s primary objective was to increase brand awareness and CRM database by running the game. This marketing initiative is becoming increasingly popular as more and companies are using Fantasy Sports as a marketing tool to reach their online audience.

�

Media giant, IOL is also hosting their own Fantasy Sports league for Formula 1 fanatics following the success of the Fantasy game they hosted for the Rugby World Cup last year. Here players can pick drivers and forms teams where their performance if judged on their live performance throughout this season�s Formula 1 league.�

These games can be run as marketing initiatives for your brand, but can also be hosted to increase profitability. Hosts may offer pay to play options to increase revenue or even sell advertising space on the websites to further increase their profitability. Sports associations are hosting mini fantasy leagues or challenge groups to increase their fan base and draw more interest to their sports clubs. The private sector has also started using challenge groups in order to increase team spirit amongst employees.

Online communication strategies can easily be managed from the Fantasy Sports Platform as it supports online newsletters which enhance the interactive nature of all games from Formula 1 to Rugby. The Fantasy Platform supports widgets for both the teams and leader boards that can be embedded into blogs.��

We are also running various advertising and sponsorship packages in conjunction with the Fantasy Sports leagues. You�ll have the opportunity to advertise your company on leading Fantasy Sports websites at affordable rates.

The growing popularity of these sites makes this a great opportunity to spend your advertising budget so visit www.fantasyplatform.co.za to view current games and please don�t hesitate to contact us for any further information.

�

African Exclusive Travel, a luxury travel site was launched on Realmdigital's CMS

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:33:40 +0200

The African Exclusive Travel website offers the expertise to create the individual travel options that best suit selective tastes and requirements.�

�

The content managed site allows for these travel packages to be customised to the individual's needs with ease.

These packages are easily found with the advanced searches available throughout the site. Users can search for packages by destinations, accommodation and via maps in a�user friendly manner.

Vodacom builds brand with Realmdigital's Super 14 Fantasy Rugby

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:36:15 +0200

Online marketers have realized that the marketing potential in the Fantasy Sports arena is growing at a rapid rate each year. The popularity of these sports has spread from America to all areas of the globe and is taking sporting fanatics by storm. These online sporting leagues not only make money for the hosts but also offer a perfect platform for marketing your brand.�

The original concept of running fantasy sports leagues has been around since just after World War 2 where people picked baseball players and recorded them on rosters where points were earned in relation to their performances on the playing�fields. Soon the�idea spilled over to�football and�with the help of the internet, fantasy sports has grown from a hobby to a widespread phenomenon and now includes various other sports too.�

It has�attracted�attention from�media and�sporting associations as well as the private sector.

Companies�such as IOL,�Vodacom and Captain Morgan have all become involved in Fantasy Sports.

Vodacom and Captain Morgan have just released their latest Fantasy Rugby leagues for the Super 14.

The Fantasy Sports Trade Association has estimated the industry�s value at $1 billion which proves it is a profitable industry to be involved in.�Many fantasy games even involve betting which lures new players as they stand a chance to win substantial cash prizes.� However, the entertainment value�of the game is not its only role.�Fantasy Sports can be used�as a marketing tool to promote brand your brand.�Companies in the private sector are even running fantasy leagues as a means of getting their brand some exposure. Some�of the bigger brands even end up making money from this process by selling advertising space on their fantasy sports websites.��

Realmdigital has developed a fantasy sports platform to meet all these needs. The software can be adjusted to any sporting type.�The Formula 1 league will be launched shortly for this year's F1 season so contact us if you require further information.

Interactive communication strategies can run in conjunction with the fantasy league with the platform supporting online newsletters, SMS and much more so don't hesitate to�contact us for more information.

�

Realmdigital teams up with Hotelier

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:39:48 +0200

Realmdigital have built numerous websites within the tourism industry and have decided to broaden�our service offering by teaming up with a reservations system�known as Hotelier.

Realmdigital

By providing expert technology in various areas including website development, we have built and maintained relationships with key players within the tourism industry. All our websites�are built on our�Content Management System which provides for an array of website needs from basic sites to full e-Commerce functionality. The CMS supports the sending of e-Newsletters while making any e-Marketing task simple to manage. The integration with Google Analytics allows for tracking and measuring of all these marketing campaigns.

Hotelier

The first Hotelier Property Management System was commissioned at a small guest house in Cape Town.

�

It then became�immediately obvious that there was a great need for such a system to cater for the boom in the Guest House Industry in Cape Town.� To date there are over 300 Hotelier installations in South Africa, as well as a handful in neighbouring states.��

Combined�Service Offering

Real time online reservations can now be made with Realmdigital's online booking�functionality and Hotelier's reservation system. Now guests can check for availability without�having to wait for feedback from busy guest house staff. Once they have decided on their desired dates they can make a booking which will reflect in the guest house booking system immediately. The guest can then make their payment to secure their reservation.

Bloom Estate

This luxury guest house based in Swellendam already makes use of various services provided by both Realmdigital and Hotelier.

�

Bloomestate's website is built on the Realmdigital's CMS where they can easily manage all their website needs. This tool enables them to edit content, send out newsletters, manage their CRM and much more. Maarten van der Ven, owner of the estate is thrilled to be working on such a competent CMS that is so user friendly.

Bloom Estate also�uses the�Hotelier system for bookings and according to Maarten, "It works out very well�using the hotelier system as it provides a daily overview of our bookings and all specific requirements can be customised to suit your needs".

For futher information on the services offered by Realmdigital and Hotelier, please feel free to contact us.

�

NB Publisher's multi language website goes live on Realm CMS

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:39:06 +0200

Realmdigital launches another website within the media industry. NB publishers go live with their revamped site powered by the Realm CMS.

�	NB Publishers focuses on publishing books for the South African general market. They have a strong and growing presence in the educational market and are comprised of five imprints: Tafelberg, Human & Rousseau, Pharos, Kwela Books and Best Books.��

This site runs multiple sub sites for each of the above mentioned imprints. Each sub site runs its own news, contact people and catalogue of books which are all maintained with the Realmdigital Content Management System.

Each site runs both author and book databases and users can easily find what they�re looking for by making use of the search functionality. Searches by title, author or ISBN codes can be run from the main site as well as the 5 sub sites. These searches incorporate categories with their respective sub categories making the user�s search experience as user friendly as possible.

These sites all have multi language functionality. English and Afrikaans are currently implemented, but the functionality already exists to add further languages as the demand arises.

Multi media integration and the manuscript submission pages allow for users to interact with the publishing house. Book trailers to be viewed to entice buyers as MP3 and Mpeg files are maintained effortlessly. The manuscript submission pages also add to the interactive nature by giving upcoming writers a chance to submit their manuscripts to NB Publishers.

Realmdigital�s CMS boasts comprehensive e-Marketing functionality. Newsletters can be created and sent to NB publisher�s subscribers and customers from the CMS and delivery reports can also be viewed within the CMS and exported if need be.

NB Publisher�s marked the last of the media sites to be released by Realmdigital for 2007 but look forward to building more industry related websites in 2008. For more information on our products services or pricing, please feel free to contact us.

�

CMS powers New Media Publishing�s latest educational website, Hip2B²

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:56:50 +0200

Realmdigital powers the latest New Media Publishing website, Hip2B�, which is an educational portal for The Shuttleworth Foundation. The site is built on the Realmdigital CMS and displays interactive functionality to keep the youth informed on topics ranging from Maths, Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship.

New Media Publishing is the leading contract publishing company in the country who create award-winning magazines for some of the biggest brands in South Africa. One of these being The Shuttleworth Foundation which aims to educate the South African youth on Maths, Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship.

www.hip2b2.com� is built on Realmdigital�s Content Management System which provides user friendly poll functionality where users can rate articles to ensure the site is kept current with information that appeals to their young target audience. Integration with a third party forum provider also allows visitors to post their comments on various discussion topics.

�

You Tube integration also adds to the interactive nature therefore making it attractive to the young browsers. Visitors are able to upload relevant You Tube multimedia to any of the topical discussions.
The integration with Digg.com allows for content sharing between these sites. Digg is a community-based popularity website with an emphasis on technology and science articles. It combines social bookmarking, blogging, and syndication. News stories and websites are submitted by users, and then promoted to the front page through a user-based ranking system. This differs from the hierarchical editorial system that many other news sites employ.

Hip2B� also makes use of del.icio.us, another social bookmarking web service for storing, sharing, and discovering web bookmarks. A non-hierarchical keyword categorization system is used on del.icio.us where users can tag each of their bookmarks with a number of freely chosen keywords. Its collective nature makes it possible to view bookmarks added by similar-minded users.

Realmdigital�s CMS boasts comprehensive e-Marketing functionality. Newsletters can be created and sent from the CMS. Google Analytics allows the effectiveness of your marketing activity to be measured and these site statistics are vital when planning future marketing campaigns.

Realmdigital has recently launched another website within the media industry. NB Publishers, part of the Naspers Group, is a publishing house that manages major brands like Kwela, Tafelberg and Best Books.
��

�

Integration with social bookmarking sites

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:57:14 +0200

�

Digg and del.icio.us are�social bookmarking site where news stories and websites are submitted by users, and then promoted to the front page through a user-based ranking system. This differs from the hierarchical editorial system that many other news sites employ.

A non-hierarchical keyword categorization system is used where users can tag each of their bookmarks with a number of freely chosen keywords. Its collective nature makes it possible to view bookmarks added by similar-minded users.

�

Richprop Cape - the latest Real Estate Company making use of Realm CMS

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:57:40 +0200

Richprop Cape goes live supporting the latest Real Estate functionality powered by Realmdigital�s Content Management System.

Richprop Cape focuses solely on niche property investments across high-end residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With a strong platform prioritized in Cape Town, the company continues to seek and roll out high-end residential estates and industrial developments in emerging growth areas.

�	Richprop�s vision for further opportunities nationally and internationally brought about the launch of their new website.

The website is powered by Realmdigital�s Content Management System while the look and feel of the website was created by a local strategic brand agency, Arctic Circle. The CMS is capable of supporting Artic Circle�s aesthetically pleasing fly out navigation with ease.��

Properties are easily uploaded with the user friendly nature of the CMS. This ensures the website will always be kept current with the latest hot properties in each respective category. Search functionality has become a must have on any property site and the Realmdigital CMS allows you to manage these fields. The Richprop website allows browsers to search by price, type and area, but these categories can be edited at any point.

The site boasts an exchange rate indicator that displays live rates with a handy bond calculator which proves useful particularly for the international visitors. Subscriptions to newsletters via the website are ideal for those who wish to be informed on new releases and useful investor information while client information can be easily accessed via the online CRM.

Realmdigital has many exciting projects on the go at the moment especially within the Travel & Tourism Industry so keep an eye on our website or contact us for more details.

�

Realm CMS a hit in the tourism industry

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:58:18 +0200

With the 2010 World Cup approaching, the South African tourism industry is ensuring that all the necessary tools are in place to cope with the increased amount of international visitors to South Africa. Efficient tourism websites are one of the most important tools in making 2010 a success. Many websites are being upgraded to cope with mass online bookings from soccer fans around the world.

It is imperative that tourism websites such as accommodation, vehicle hire and entertainment sites are of world class quality and expert technology. Visitors need to be able to book and pay for all their travel needs online.

�	Realmdigital�s online business platform�provides proficient technology to meet these requirements. Numerous tourism websites such as South African Travel Centre (SATC) have already made use of the CMS and the�new African Exclusive Travel website will be going live within the next month.�

The CMS offers an integrated solution that offers content management to full e-Commerce functionality. Websites can be updated with new content in a user friendly manner while online bookings and payments are also effectively managed. The CMS allows third parties to upload information such as travel packages without disturbing the aesthetics of the website.��

The competitive e-Marketing Module of the CMS is also highly effective due to the integrated CRM and Newsletter functionality. Newsletters and bulk mailers displaying special offers are easily sent to customers within the CRM and the effectiveness of the newsletters can easily be tracked with the integration of Google Analytics.�

New Spell Check feature for CMS

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 09:58:46 +0200

The rdCMS started out as a basic CMS many years ago, but it has evolved over the years into a complete online business solution. This system is constantly growing as new functionality is routinely added to the rdCMS service offering based on the market's requirements.

By gathering feedback from our existing clients, one of the most common requests was to enable a spell check system within the rdCMS for all those who are writing in their second or third language or simply for those day to day typing errors.

We're proud to announce that English spell check�has been integrated into the latest version of the rdCMS and our clients are pleased with the results.

If you require any further information regarding the spell check feature or any other CMS related issues, please feel free to contact us.

CMS integrates with Google Analytics

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:59:07 +0200

Our Content Management System, the rdCMS, has integrated with Google Analytics. This tracking system enables you to measure the success of online activities and therefore enhance your e-Marketing campaigns accordingly.

�	Google Analytics was designed for you to�learn even more about where your visitors come from and how they interact with your site. Google Analytics makes it easy to improve your results online.

With this statistical information, you're able to write better ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives, and create higher conversion rates�on websites.

The rdCMS has introduced a new Google Analytics Module which allows�Google Analytics to work on each page of your website no matter how often it is edited. This integration is vital in tracking the success of newsletters or bulk mailers, the success of specific adverts placed on your website and even the effectiveness of each page's content.

Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Launch of partner program offering e-Marketing technology to agencies.

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:59:34 +0200

Our�Content Management System (rdCMS) has evolved over the years from a simple content management system (CMS) to a fully integrated e-Business Platform. The rdCMS boasts functionality that targets industries from the Tourism and Hospitality industry to Real Estate and Retail industries. Due to the diverse nature of the modules, the rdCMS has become a popular tool for both web design houses, marketing and advertising agencies.

�

This encouraged us to launch a partner program which targets all design houses, marketing and advertising agencies both locally and internationally. The partner program will provide partners with a tool to effectively maintain their clients� business online.�

�

We began working with some local and international design houses and the relationships that have formed have become invaluable. The design houses provided the front end design of the website and we built the website on our rdCMS to provide the backend functionality. This process allowed both parties to benefit from the profits, the website development has a much better turn around time and if there are any changes to be made at a later stage, the designer can make these changes at a fraction of the cost.

�

We also�offer website�hosting with servers in both South Africa and Germany. These servers are the foundation of our internet infrastructure which allows us to deliver high quality service globally. We have an expert support department to handle all hosting queries as well as any CMS related queries.

�

Communication agencies like marketing or advertising agencies can also reap great benefits from the Realmdigital partner program. Often these agencies have in house designers that have a great flair for design, but their website development is limited. Often the more advanced websites such as e-Commerce websites are turned away as agencies are scared to take on such complicated websites as they�re often not equipped technically to service these websites. We provide competent functionality for any level of website from simple content managed sites to content managed flash or e-Commerce websites. This ensures agencies can take on bigger, more technically advanced websites and with partnering with us, they will still be able to make decent profit margins. You will have more time to market the website as the turn around time on building websites on the rdCMS is outstanding. The code used is far more stable that many custom developed sites as it receives constant attention and upgrades when new features are developed and thoroughly tested.

�

The rdCMS is equipped with an e-Marketing module largely targeted for communication agencies as the end users. Here marketers can send professional looking e-Newsletters on behalf of their clients. This can be done with ease as it is integrated with the CRM module where client databases can be managed and stored.

�

The rdCMS also integrates with Google Analytics which is a great tool for marketers. They can view statistical information that is imperative when planning and evaluation marketing campaigns. This is also a great way to evaluate any SEO or PPC campaigns.

�

Realmdigital, with its rdCMS has much to offer design houses, marketing and advertising agencies while simultaneously benefiting from their expertise. To date, we have had great success in working on projects in partnerships such as these and would like to see many more relationships develop in the future. Please explore�our website further�to view some of our current partners.

�

Expert technology to perform integrated e-Marketing strategies

Tue, 22 May 2007 09:59:56 +0200

Our�Content Management System, the rdCMS makes integrated e-Marketing strategies effortless. While the rdCMS allows you to easily edit your website content, it also offers the tools to carry out a fully integrated e-Marketing campaign.

The rdCMS is a platform that allows users to conduct their business online. From editing and maintaining content on websites to conducting online purchases, the Realmdigital Content Management System (rdCMS) incorporates more than 30 modules into one online business platform.

�

These modules make e-Marketing campaigns effortless. The Newsletter Module was originally designed to enable users to send professional looking newsletters or mailers to their databases. Further development of this module led to the birth of an expert bulk mailer system within the rdCMS. The Newsletter Module works in connection with the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Module. This online database allows you to store all client, staff, subscriber and member details in one centralized place that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

�

The Newsletter Module also boasts search functionality which allows you to search for contacts within the CRM or recipient list by name. It also allows searches for newsletters, newsletter categories or even newsletter recipient groups. These searches and the integration with the CRM make the module far more user friendly than many of its competitors.

�

The Newsletter Recipient Groups are a great feature when targeting the same mailer to various contact lists. This is specifically useful in the tourism industry where tour operators are entitled to special rates and therefore require different rates on their mailers. The search functionality is carried out within the recipient groups too. As your recipients group increase, you�ll be able to locate the necessary group with ease when using the search functionality.

�

The actual process of sending the newsletters is quick and efficient. Assigning recipients to newsletters can be done by adding the entire contact list in the CRM or by adding specific recipient groups only. The Newsletter Module also identifies duplicates in the CRM and will only send one newsletter to an email address. This eliminates any chance of your clients being spammed by duplicates of the same mailer.

The rdCMS integrates with Google Analytics which allows you to evaluate your e-Marketing campaign. These reports show how many visitors have been directed to your website as a result of various e-Marketing activities.

�

Our clients have experienced great success by using the rdCMS as a tool to carry out all their e-Marketing tasks from bulk mailers, SMS marketing, CRM maintenance and more. The integrated approach of the rdCMS makes us a preferred e-Marketing supplier. We currently sends newsletters on behalf of many companies in the Tourism and Retail Industries and looks forward to expanding into additional sectors.��

�

e-Commerce StorAge website goes live

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:00:23 +0200

The new�StorAge website went live which boasts full e-Commerce functionality as well as using of some of the e-Marketing functionality offered by the Realmdigital Content Management System (rdCMS).

��

StorAge, a storage solutions company, realized their need to make their products and services available to the online market and decided to build their new website (www.stor-age.co.za) on the Realmdigital Content Management System (rdCMS), which allows them to manage their own website, edit content, images and much more.

Their original design was revamped to make it more aesthetically pleasing for their browsers. This great new design was provided by Nova Studios. The new site still carries the StorAge brand, but it has a fresher look than its predecessor. This interactive site manages all its customer details online with the CRM module which acts as an online database where you can access client details from anywhere in the world.

The website is has full e-Commerce functionality. Their products are displayed in a products catalogue that is entirely content managed it can be edited easily when new products or services are released. Once a customer has chosen their desired products for their shopping cart, they can pay via debit or credit card instantly and securely.

StorAge has also made use of the e-Marketing module. They have newsletter functionality which allows them to send professional looking newsletters to all customers within the CRM. This is great for letting their customers know about special offers and new products or services.

StorAge was founded by WWI, an investment and property development company, whose owners have backgrounds in the fields of Chartered Accountancy, Financial Analysis and Construction. They offer a range of storage solutions specifically designed to cater for your needs. Their team is dedicated to assisting you in every aspect of your storage requirements and can offer professional advice and assistance throughout your StorAge and removal process.

The benefits of an e-Commerce website are apparent as your website can physically increase turnover and profits are easily measured. With the added value of your e-Commerce website being content managed, you have an integrated solution that enhances your e-Business as a whole. Realmdigital is proud to have launched another great content managed e-Commerce website and looks forward to building many more.

�

Interactive Bloom Estate website goes live

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:01:17 +0200

Bloom Estate, a luxury estate in Swellendam, South Africa is the ideal destination to get away from your busy city life. Bloom Estate boasts modern design that is carried out throughout the estate.

�

The rooms are all designed and decorated according to the four seasons while inspiration from the elements, water, wind and fire is also evident.

With its 7 stylish bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms, you'll be amazed by this luxury environment that exceeds itself with excellent service from the friendly, efficient staff.

The estate is situated along a tranquil dam with an overlooking outdoor Jacuzzi and there is also a heated salt water swimming pool on site.

This interactive website is built on the Realmdigital Content Management System (rdCMS).

The rdCMS allows the client to edit their own content, images, custom links and much more. The rdCMS has allowed for Flash integration which is content managed.

�

There is a booking form present so users can place their bookings online and the client can edit the fields of this booking form with ease. Guest at the estate can email their comments and all comments are displayed on the guestbook page.

Realmdigital is proud to have launched another website in the South Africa hospitality industry and are keen to get involved in more tourism websites globally.
�

Sharks fantasy rugby website for Super 14 series launched

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:00:46 +0200

Realmdigital launched an interactive rugby website this month just in time for the Super 14 series that kicked off on Friday 2 February 2007. Members stand a chance to win various prizes while interacting with other rugby fanatics online. Members also have an opportunity to challenge a panel of Sharks experts in this unique online rugby experience.

�

The trend of online sporting websites has already attracted many players in the United Kingdom, especially with their passion for football, but here in South Africa, our passion lies within the world of rugby.

Realmdigital launched a rugby website in 2006 for the Tri Nations series and due to its great success a new website has been launched, but this time targeting the Super 14 series, which began on Friday 2 February 2007.

Players need to register on the website and form teams where they can challenge celebrities like John Allan or even their fellow fantasy rugby members within the challenge groups. This website takes one of South Africa�s most popular sports and turns it into an interactive online competition. There are cash prizes to be won as well as many other non monetary prizes up for grabs.�

Realmdigital is proud to have developed such a technically advanced website (www.sharksfantasyrugby.co.za) targeted at the rugby population. The entire website is content managed as it is built on realmdigital's Content Management System known as the rdCMS.

This comprehensive content management system uses an online Marketing Module to send out e-Newsletters to members to inform them of new challenges. An online database is maintained using the system's Customer Relationship Module (CRM) while the latest rugby news can easily be uploaded with Realmdigital's News Module.

The rdCMS continues to broaden its horizons as it powers websites from the corporate world to the hospitality industry and has once again visited the world of rugby. There has already been a great response from fans from South Africa and aboard who look forward to the Super 14 series now more than ever before.

The new content managed Design for Living website launched

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 10:01:49 +0200

Realmdigital has launched yet another content managed website within the exhibitions industry. After the launch of industry leader, Kagiso Exhibitions & Events, Realmdigital has added the Design for Living website to its list of exhibition websites built on the rdCMS.

��
The Design for Living was launched in 1978 at the Good Hope Centre. It aimed tobring the�� home and d�cor trade to the� general public. Since then, the Design for Living has evolved into a one-stop lifestyle� exhibition that showcases a wide range of products and services geared to improving the lives� of the broad Cape Town communityhome and d�cor trade to the general public.

Since then, the Design for Living has evolved into a one-stop lifestyle exhibition that showcases a wide range of products and services geared to improving the lives of the broad Cape Town community.

The Design for Living expo returned to Cape Town�s Good Hope Centre with a new lease on life this year. The 2007 Design for Living Expo runs from 21 April to 1 May. The owners of the Design 4 Living Expo, The Cape Chamber of Commerce, recognised the need for new ideas for the exhibition. Therefore Kagiso Exhibitions & Events have been appointed to manage the event for the next five years.

Kagiso Exhibitions, a 100% subsidiary of the Kagiso Media Group, is one of South Africa�s leading exhibition and event companies that owns or manages some of the countries top trade and consumer exhibitions and events. It is the only exhibition company in South Africa offering the full range of services - design, management capacity, infrastructure, and technical support - necessary to deliver successful exhibitions and events.�

�The days of using exhibitions merely as a company advertisement are long gone. Today�s best marketers expect exhibitions to deliver a significant return on investment (ROI). Websites play a major role in exhibition management as well as measuring ROI.

Realmdigital and Nova Studios recently launched the new Design for Living website (www.designforliving.co.za). Nova studios provided the fresh design of the website while Realmdigital provided the backend development.

�The website is built on Realmdigital�s Content Management System (rdCMS). Each page of the website can be edited as often as required in a user friendly manner. All Design for Living press releases can be posted on the website for easy access to the public and especially exhibitors.

�Exhibitors and members of the public can subscribe to newsletters via the website, which adds them to the mailing list for future newsletters. All this functionality is provided by the rdCMS. Exhibitors can download their application forms from the website as well as submit queries via the online enquiry form.

Realmdigital has more industry related websites scheduled for 2007 so be sure to keep an eye out for them as there will be new features released that plan to enhance the functionality of the rdCMS even further.

�

Launch of the new content managed Kagiso Exhibitions & Events website

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 10:03:43 +0200

Realmdigital launches another content managed website for the exhibitions industry. Industry leader, Kagiso Exhibitions & Events is the newest addition to the growing list of websites built on the Realmdigital�s Content Management System (rdCMS).

�	Kagiso Exhibitions & Events is 100% owned by Kagiso Media Ltd. Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Kagiso Media Limited is one of South Africa 's leading media companies. Kagiso Exhibitions & Events specializes in the organization of exhibitions and subsidiary events.

They offer clients a one-stop service and are the only exhibition company in South Africa that offers the full range of exhibition services in-house. They are responsible for managing well known exhibitions like the Design for Living.

Technology advances have led to companies operating on a global level with ease and the issue of location has become a problem of the past. Exhibitions give people the opportunity to meet, touch, and feel each other�s products, which is often an experience that is lost these days.

Most exhibition companies attract people from all over the world and therefore it is imperative that their websites are both user friendly for people visiting the website as well as being competent in managing the data from the backend.

Realmdigital�s Content Management System, know as the rdCMS is perfect for managing any website, and has become ideal for those in the exhibition and conferencing industry. The rdCMS allows you to maintain and edit your website in a user friendly manner. The rdCMS serves clients well by managing online registrations, and is generally a competitive eBusiness platform that supports eCommerce facilities and eMarketing functions.

The Kagiso Exhibitions website (www.kagisoexpo.co.za) made use of the rdCMS with all its pages being content managed. The events calendar is also content managed and supports fly out menus with images and rollovers. Press releases can be published on the website and easily maintained with the News Module. Newsletters can even be sent from the website to various contact groups with functionality that allows contacts to subscribe to the newsletters via the website.

This website also makes use of a content managed organizational chart that displays contact information of staff, which serves as a great tool for management to maintain staff profiles.

�	Realmdigital are once again proud to have built another exhibition website in partnership with Nova Studios for their excellent design work.

New website for Department of Science and Technology expo

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 10:04:23 +0200

Realmdigital has launched Department of Science and Technology website for this year's International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition. The exhibition is to be held from 24th to 27th September 2006 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.�

Realmdigital was involved in the development of yet another government department exhibition website.

After the completion of the Department of Health's Health Promoting Schools' website, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INSITE) website ( www.insitex.co.za ) went live in preparation for the exhibition, which runs from 24th to 27th September 2006

Due to the success of INSITE 2004, this event has now become a biennial event. The exhibition serves as a platform for innovation, science and technology (IST) that is driven by South Africa's Department of Science and Technology (DST).

�

INSITE shows how the world's problems can be solved by ground-breaking technology. This international event is the only one of its kind in Africa. INSITE aims to host the world's leading innovators and scientists under one roof, where they can interact with enquiring learners as well as the general public.

INSITE 2006 will present exhibiters from The South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and their supported science councils, programs, agencies and projects, other South African government departments relevant and appropriate to Science, Technology and Innovation applications, International governments and government agencies, African and international private sector corporations and companies.

The exhibition targets learners, educators of science & technology, African and international science & technology practitioners, academics and scientists, African and international government officials and decision-makers, private sector science & technology related practitioners and the general public.

�	INSITE's website is built on the realmdigital Content Management System known as the rdCMS. With realmdigital's comprehensive e-Business Platform and Nova Studios' striking design, the website is of an exceptional standard.

The rdCMS allows the entire website to be content managed, even supporting Macromedia Flash. News items and press releases may be posted on the website as often as required, while historic press releases can be stored in the press release archive. Exhibitors can download their application forms from the website while all visitor information is displayed clearly on the website pages. Browsers can subscribe to the INSITE newsletter via the website. Here the browser's details are instantly added to the online client database and they will then receive the next e-Newsletter that will be sent via the rdCMS.

Realmdigital is fast becoming an industry leader with its focus being content managed websites. Conference and exhibition websites are largely dependent on websites that allow for effective online registrations, especially with international exhibitions. Further websites being built on the success of INSITE will be launched in the near future.

Inside Living Flash Website

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 10:05:54 +0200

Inside Living, is a kitchen and interior design company based in Cape Town and Knysna. Their kitchens are imported from Germany at affordable prices.

We are proud to announce that this Flash website is fully Content Managed�on our rdCMS.

Fantasy Rugby goes live in June 2006

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 10:04:52 +0200

�	The Fantasy Rugby�website went live in June. This website invites members to create rugby teams online by picking and managing players with the aim of winning great prizes.

The competition is open internationally as the website targets South African, Australian and New Zealand rugby fanatics residing in the United Kingdom as well as their respective home countries.

This website was built with custom development and bespoke modules on the rdCMS. The site features detailed tri and tackle level match analysis for fantasy team scoring and a rugby portal with a �kick for the poles� flash game and rugby news feeds. Members have the opportunity to challenge celebrity players like David Campese and with the use of eNewsletters and other viral marketing tools members can also interact with each other like the �challenge groups�.

Health Promoting Schools' new conference website

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:06:22 +0200

�

The University of Western Cape was in need of a website dedicated to their Health Promoting Schools Conference to be held in September 2006.

We jumped at the opportunity to work with UWC. This website required full eCommerce functionality where people attending the conference are able to register and pay for the conference online.

The rdCMS provided all the functionality that was required to create a website of this nature.

�

eNewsletters - A Great Success

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 04:26:35 +0200

�

Over�the past few months our eMarketing Strategies�have become�very successful, particularly with the sending of eNewsletters on behalf of our clients as well as our partners.

We have sent content rich eNewsletters as well as visually pleasing advertorials with the use of our rdCMS to databases ranging from a few hundred to many thousands of members.

These eNewsletters increased the amount of traffic to our client's websites dramatically and due to this great success, we look forward to sending out even more eNewsletters in the future.

Hillcrest's Website and eMarketing are a Great Success

Thu, 24 Nov 2005 04:21:07 +0200

�

Hillcrest Estate, a wine farm nestled in the Tygerberg hills, makes use of the rdCMS to power their website as well as their eMarketing strategy.

Monthly newsletters have been sent to their clients, which have vastly increased the number of people visiting their site.

Their website is updated�on a weekly basis with new information on products as well as news items informing clients about upcoming events.

realmdigital

10 Reasons Why Websites are Cooler than Brochures

Visibility and audience - no geographical barriers

More tools to engage with you brand

Measurability

Customized

Cheaper - content can be changed easily

Improves credibility

Adds convenience and value to the customer

Affordable market research with polls and quizzes and competitions

24/7 real time

Tools like ordering and payments greatly reduce time and effort of employees

Tourism Competition Craziness!

The Prize!

The prize includes:

How to Enter:

Realmdigital Nominated in the Jump Awards

MS Group Digs Deep

Who is the MS Group?

The Project

Website Functionality

Realm Platform Multi-site Functionality

Hetzner PHP 4 discontinuation

What is PHP?

PHP 4 versus PHP 5

What does this mean for you?

Spring time with Bloomestate

Realm Platform 4.2 Release

New functionality

Stability and bug fixes

Improved multi site tool

Content Versioning

Content Expiry Support

Shareprice widget

Integration

OpenX Ad Server

Nightsbridge

Streetmaps

RSS Feeds 101

Get your brand scoring goals

Optimize your website with Realm Platform and Google

It's Always "Better At Home"

End of the Captain Morgan Fantasy League

Best Practice Guide for Digital Advertising

Brand Prominence

Frame Messaging

Ad Effectiveness

Message Simplicity

Include a URL in the advertising

Engage, but don�t make people work for the message

Persuasion vs Awareness

Integrate online creative concepts with offline

Try to avoid �border� ads � ad sizes that frame the content of a webpage

Test creative vs placement

Platform Community Edition Mission

Full steam ahead with the new iKapa website

Who is iKapa?

The Project

Major Functionalities

Indaba Mania

Realmdigital unveils custom tourism and hospitality software

Launch of MiX Telematics

Who is MiX Telematics?

The Project

Salient Features

Major Functionalities

Captain Morgan Fantasy Rugby goes live

Realmdigital Appoints Marcus Brewster Publicity

Where online, offline media converge

Keeping it local with geo-targeting and localisation

Chaos Computers goes full e-Commerce

Win weekly prizes with Captain Morgan's Fantasy league

Sponsor one of our Fantasy Sports leagues to market your brand.

SARugby.com launches Fantasy Rugby league in partnership with Realmdigital

Prohire's car hire software expands into Africa in partnership with Realmdigital

Realmdigital attends Travel & Tourism Indaba 2008

Realmdigital provides Fantasy Sports platform to Brandhouse and IOL.

African Exclusive Travel, a luxury travel site was launched on Realmdigital's CMS

Vodacom builds brand with Realmdigital's Super 14 Fantasy Rugby

Realmdigital teams up with Hotelier