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What people say about VBN...
"This is groundbreaking stuff. Administrating grant applications is an extraordinarily complex process, particularly where the funds available run into millions of pounds. This unique system enables a simple online registration, eligibility checking and application process enabling us to stay on top of thousands of applications and track their progress through the system.
We are also accountable to the EU and the system will allow us to report to them effectively and to track where funds are at any point in time. We will also be able to demonstrate a huge return on investment by massively reducing our administration costs. "
Steve Cargill, Project Officer, Lincolnshire Broadband Team on the Grant Administration System developed by VBN |
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| VBN software powers 50 Networking communities |
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| Release date: 28 Oct 2002 |
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A pioneering Cambridge company is playing a vital role in fostering European business innovation, with its software powering no less than 50 different networking community websites.
The latest community to choose Virtual Business Network (VBN) is Huddersfield University, who will use the technology to develop and link several regional business networks, such as a Manufacturing Excellence Club and an Incubation Network.
But VBN's software platform is used daily by diverse organisations* - ranging from 'cluster' groups backed by Regional Development Agencies to university business groups and industry trade associations, including two in continental Europe. And the common theme for all is innovation.
VBN's founder and managing director Dr Simon Elliott developed the first database-driven system for the Cambridge Network, the high technology community at the heart of the Cambridge Phenomenon, and it has acted as a model for many similar ventures. He says:
'Without exception, all the networking communities for whom we develop websites have at their core the desire to create something new and better through change.
'Whatever the initial reason people have come together to form a network, they are able to make and maintain contact with others, and to run an effective membership infrastructure through the use of the software alone.
'Our back office administration system combines both content and membership management, achieving the unique benefit of enabling organisations to manage all their membership business from one simple-to-use web browser.'
VBN supports the development of the successful client network once a website is built, with best practice hosting and technical support, together with an active user group of clients and ongoing consultancy. Aware that successful networks depend on physical contact and face-to-face meetings as well as virtual ones, it has also developed modules to facilitate online event registration and ticketing, for example.
*A list of all 50 VBN sites can be found at http://www.vbnonline.com/ |
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| Article Id: | 84553 | | Release date: | 28 Oct 2002 |
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