Merge

Merge creates digital strategies for our clients to leverage the web. So obviously, we're on the web constantly, and as the web has grown up over the last decade, we have found--to our delight--that the web is coming more and more indispensable in our own business. Below is a list of web applications we can't live without:

1. Simplify Email / Google's Apps for Your Domain.

   When Merge started, we hosted all our our clients email, including our own. Spam, viruses, uptime, Outlook support--you name it--email is a nightmare to support, but it's the killer app for businesses. It can't go down. That's why Merge looks to Google's App for My Domain, utilizing a branded version of Gmail, not only for our own email, but for a majority of our clients as well.

   Benefit: If you are a Microsoft Exchange user and are looking for a less costly solution (try free), move to Gmail, get incredible uptime, spam filters and easy email management. Merge actually uses Exchange to archive its email (and Exchange's integrated Outlook features), but Gmail for email services.
   Cost: FREE

2. Remote Conferencing and Remote Support / GoToMeeting

   Seeing is believing. We have clients try to describe a technical issue or they may ask us how to do something on a web site. The easiest solution to "get it?": GoToMeeting. By simply sending a Meeting Code, we can see each other's desktop, take control and show our client how to do something, setup Outlook, etc. For technical support or online tutorials, the service is priceless.

   Benefit: Easily support or train clients remotely.
   Cost: $50 per month.

3. Instant Communication and Social Media Integration / Digsby and Windows Live Messenger

   We could count the ways we communicate. From in-person meetings, to email, phone, text to instant messaging. At Merge, we have found the quick "pings" via Instant Messaging is great for certain applications, such as; quick questions, sending a link, letting someone know of a phone call, the discreet message that can't be heard amongst office mates...you name it, IM'ing has it's privileges.

   We also use Windows Live Messenger for those of us who have Blackberry's. Again, being able to IM from a mobile device is outstanding as it can provide the ability to easily push a phone number to the out-of-office person, ask the quick question, ask a question or communicate in a meeting, etc. Additionally, IM'ing via a cell phone literally can be a "conversation" which is a different experience (and result) than email or even text messages.

   Benefit: More conversational communicating compared to email or text messages.
   Cost: FREE

This concludes Part 1 of Web Technology we can't live without. Please stay tuned by subscribing to our RSS feed to catch Part 2.

Also, read below for information on how to attend our webinar on Jan. 20th that will give in depth details on all 7 web tools Merge recommends.