Success stories

Fast-moving and good.

Programming, hosting and support

“It’s our client’s job to dream. It’s our job to make their dreams possible,” says Barry Ekins of Webdzinz.

Utopia provides the critical technical element in Webdzinz’s website solutions. As a result, the two companies have built a solid relationship over a long period of time. From hosting and support services, right through to providing development expertise for client projects with customised programming requirements, Utopia has provided a reliable and efficient service.

Utopia’s proprietary content management system provides Barry with the infrastructure to create and manage his client’s site content online, in real-time.

“We are in the business of ‘fast decision-making’ consumables,” says Barry. Effective and efficient site design is all about providing online solutions that solve business problems.

The Natural Oils project – an online store selling a range of eco-friendly timber oils, waxes and stains (www.natural-oils.co.nz) – is one example of an e-commerce site where good information design is supported by a sound underlying technical structure, enhancing the overall user’s shopping experience.

Utopia and Webdzinz have worked together on many other projects that require custom programming solutions. As anyone in the industry will tell you, all online development projects require routine testing and ‘debugging’ after launch. “Utopia has a commitment to getting it right,” says Barry.

This commitment underlines the very essence of the working relationship between the two organisations. “Utopia is very accessible,” says Barry – who calls often, and the response is always fast and efficient.

Visit:
www.webdzinz.co.nz

Bringing the past into the future – online.

Full service

Nostalgia Boulevard’s business is in the past – selling iconic memorabilia such as Elvis, Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe and other vintage collectables like Coke and Jack Daniels.

When business owner Kaye Brock decided to expand her successful business online, she researched several web development companies. “We chose Utopia because they were so approachable,” says Kaye.

The process started with a two-hour consultation, after which a project plan was drafted. Kaye was impressed with Utopia’s planning and implementation – every step was well organised and the site was completed on time, to an ambitious launch date.

One-to-one training was provided, helping her learn how to upload and manage site content, including product pricing and imagery. “The one-hour training session was so valuable for me,” says Kaye, who claims not to be a very technically-minded person.

Utopia’s proprietary content management system joined with an e-commerce store
allowed the business to achieve fast and efficient ordering, making closing sales quick and easy. The ability to make real-time changes to the site and manage stock has been a huge advantage over the traditional printed catalogue they were using previously.

“The system Utopia set up is so easy to use,” adds Kaye, “and our customers really enjoy using the site – we get a great deal of positive feedback.”

Utopia has helped Kaye achieve her online vision. “We had considerable input into the final look of the site,” says Kaye, who felt her many questions were always welcome. She says she is delighted with the outcome and looks forward to growing visitor numbers.

Using site management tools, Kaye discovered they receive regular visitors from overseas – from countries as far away as Singapore and Switzerland.

Nice to know Elvis lives on.

Visit:
www.nostalgiablvd.co.nz

Size matters.

Development

Developing a database management system for over 30,000 records requires considerable technical aptitude.

When Energi contacted Utopia they were looking for some heavy-duty programming expertise for a high-profile and sizeable client project. Utopia was already hosting the website for Energi and other sites for their clients, so the relationship went from there.

The sheer scale of the database meant some deft programming to achieve the required site management functionality. Tasks such as database loading, merging and updating member details were made easy with the complete online management solution Utopia provided.

“The interface is simple and easy to use,” says Hayley Fuller, who manages the database and promotional programme on behalf of the client on a daily basis. “It’s a good database solution,” agrees Scott Weatherly, another Account Manager at Energi. “And it was cost effective.”

Hayley explains, “Utopia works well with our web design agency; we brief them and they make it happen.” Utilising the skills of two teams means the back-end functionality and front-end design integrate well, achieving the best result for the client.

Energi is a multidisciplinary brand communications agency, and fast efficient results matter in a time-pressured world. With little involvement in the technical side of things, Hayley can get on with her job of running promotions and prize draws using the website’s database.

Utopia continues to host and provide online programming services for Energi’s client. Says Hayley of the project: “It’s been a successful site; it works well and over the four years it’s been running, there have not been any huge issues to deal with.”

Visit:
www.energi.co.nz