FreeMe, Inc. Tuesday inaugurated its
universal server program that allows Internet services providers to readily
transform from a dial-up provider, into an application service provider.
The Texas-based application delivery expert announced it successfully
partnered with more than 40 Internet service providers to sign up some 1.5
million customers for its Web-based services.
At the heart of the service transformation is FreeMe’s scalable ubiquitous
platform, which allows ISPs to offer clients a single source for
mission-critical applications. It provides ISPs with a simple way to
procure, distribute, support and bill applications offered to end-users.
The so called U-Platform is FreeMe’s first step toward providing fully
integrated applications to perform nearly any type of business task from
any Web device over any type of Internet connection.
Rick Swanson, FreeMe founder and chief executive officer, said it is
providing the springboard for ISPs to make the jump from Internet access
provider, to providers of value-added business software and services
“The number of ISPs that have signed contracts with FreeMe in a very short
time demonstrates that ISPs understand the value FreeMe offers,” Swanson said.
FreeMe targets the small and mid-sized business segment as the primary
market for its services. The firm believes that its ISP partners can lead
them down a path to successfully extend its ASP services into the SMB market.
FreeMe’s initial service launch consists of six applications, anchored by a
business information management program it developed in-house to act as the
primary interface for users. The proprietary information manager delivers
e-mail, calendar services, task, and contact management.
Additional applications offered on the FreeMe U- Platform include
accounting and business management, time, expense and project management,
office supply management, procurement and purchasing, as well as
conferencing and for Internet call waiting applications.
Designed for cost sensitive buyers, FreeMe’s Web-based applications are
designed to help businesses save money on hardware, software and support.
Dallas-based consultant firm Angelou
Economic Advisors Inc. signed up for FreeMe’s services in order to make
the small company offer large corporation-like services.
Chris Engle, Angelou network administrator, said FreeMe offers it a great
alternative to cost effectively utilize complex software packages currently
on the market.
“FreeMe’s ease of use, built-in security and mobility allows us to do
business like our bigger competitors,” Engle said. “FreeMe drives down
costs for managing information. I fully expect to soon be hearing sighs of
relief from my IT peers around the globe.”
