Cloudnet reaches final of two prestigious technology awards
Posted by Kevin Box on Mon, Nov 01, 2010 @ 10:04 AM
Cloudnet recognised for business value and high growth potential
Walsall-based Cloudnet Ltd has announced today that it has reached the final stages in two awards that recognise the best and brightest technology companies regionally and nationally. In the ICT Excellence Awards 2010, Cloudnet is a finalist in the Business Value category and, for the national Technology Strategy Board Special Awards, it has been selected as a contender in the High Growth Potential Business category.
The Walsall company, which currently employs five people at its head office in Green Lane, achieved the shortlist for Cloudnet Connect, an internet-based telephone system for small businesses. No other business VoIP company runs its own network and also offers free handsets and a fully featured internet switchboard. Along with the other finalists, Cloudnet will present its submission to a panel of judges before the winners of the coveted technology awards are announced in November.
Mike Musson, ICT Cluster Manager, comments: “The number of entries rose by over 30% this year so competition has been extremely tough. The innovation and hard-work demonstrated by this year’s entrants will make judging harder than ever.”
David Hill, Chairman of Cloudnet, said: “We are extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in the last 12 months since the launch of Cloudnet Connect. Our growing client base is a testament to the new type of telecoms system which small businesses have been crying out for. The ICT Cluster has endorsed our efforts and belief in the potential for our service, as have our shortlistings for these two prestigious awards.”
Cloudnet Connect offers small businesses full switchboard functionality at a fraction of the price of a traditional telephone system. Users subscribe to an online switchboard service; avoiding the need for costly PBX (switchboard) hardware. The phone system provides all the key business features necessary for a small business such as redirect, caller ID, fax boxes, IVR etc within a fixed monthly subscription fee and; is automatically upgraded with new features without user intervention and has no maintenance charges.
“The awards provide a great insight into the sheer diversity and talent on offer in the West Midlands technology community and beyond,” continues Mike. “The ICT Cluster, comprising technology businesses, educational establishments and support organisations working in collaboration, is enabling the West Midlands to build a dynamic regional economy as well as compete successfully in the competitive ICT marketplace, on a global level.”
All shortlisted companies will be eligible for membership of the exclusive ICT Excellence Club. The Club, which meets bi-monthly, was set up to encourage award-winning businesses to share knowledge, create business opportunities and accelerate growth in the region and beyond.
The Annual ICT Excellence Awards were established in 2005. They aim to showcase successful and innovative ICT companies and public sector organisations, of all types and sizes, and provide recognition to their teams for all their hard work and effort.
The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony following the annual ICT Conference on 25th November 2010, which is being held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill, Solihull.
To find out more about the ICT Cluster, please follow at: Twitter/wmidlandsict, the ICT Cluster Group on LinkedIn or the ICT Cluster on Facebook.
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About Cloudnet
Cloudnet supplies business phone systems and services to SMEs and start-ups. Its Cloudnet Connect system offers the advantages of no capital expenditure necessary to run a professional PBX and dramatically lower running costs. Cloudnet has developed a dedicated voice over IP (VoIP) network providing free calls within its network and cheap rate calls outside of the Cloudnet network. The company also offers CLASS, a live answering service. Cloudnet is privately financed and started trading in March 2009.
The ICT Cluster will be hosting the Annual ICT Conference and ICT Excellence Awards on 25 November 2010.
For further media information, please contact Ranbir Sahota, at Vitis Technology PR agency on 0121 242 8048 or email ranbir@vitispr.com.