The enterprise division of UK-based Vodafone has introduced a productivity app for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to “boost productivity, improve customer relations, and increase revenue”. The app is by Israeli-based business software provider vcita, and is available for €45 per month for the starter pack. Vodafone Business said it is the latest in its software and connectivity portfolio to help SMEs with digital transformation.
SMEs are the “driving force behind economic development”, it said, contributing 55 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in European Union (EU) countries. Around 84 percent of SMEs still rely on manual processes to fulfil daily tasks, like invoicing, it said. This equates to around 120 working hours per annum for every business, it suggested. It stated: “The app will give them the same productivity advantages that large companies already enjoy.”
It stated: “The app replaces many time-consuming and costly manual tasks with new automated and digital services, enabling SMEs to boost productivity, improve customer relations, and increase revenue.” The app has been launched in Italy, initially; it will be rolled out by other Vodafone operating companies in other European markets. The €45 subscription gives SMEs access to the customer relationship management (CRM) “starter” product.
A more advanced version is available at €75 per month. The Vodafone Business Marketplace is presented as a “single cloud-based platform” for enterprise applications . It includes offerings from third parties (Microsoft and Google are namechecked in the press statement) and “digital presence applications” from Vodafone itself. A free digital advisory service, V-Hub, from Vodafone Business has more than five million SME users, the company claims.
Giorgio Migliarina, interim chief executive at Vodafone Business, said: “Vodafone Business’ goal is to become the trusted partner for all companies, both small and large, on their digital journey. Our partnership with vcita is part of our investment in the development of software, cloud, and cyber security products specifically for SMEs who are key to the future prosperity of our economies.”
Itzik Levy, found and chief executive at vcita, said: “With [this], Vodafone goes beyond the traditional role of a telecommunications provider and offers SMEs the ultimate digital business management solution that is critical to their success. We’re proud to be the technology provider powering this solution and we look forward to our continued partnership.”
