Case Studies

The Client

Owned by TechnologyNet, Inc., an independent company, a subsidiary of ASCII Technology Holdings, Inc. (ATH), ITLocator.com is a specialised local computer solution provider. Built as a one-stop-information desk IT Locator enable local users (home, business, government or educational) of IT products and integrated services to search and connect, immediately, with experienced local businesses specialising in the specific needs of the user. The major operating subsidiary of ATH is The ASCII Group, Inc. (www.ASCII.com), founded in 1984, it is the world’s oldest and largest group of independent computer solution providers and integrators providing products and services to clients ranging from small to medium business, Fortune 500 companies, as well as governments and educational institutions in the United States, Canada, the UK and other countries.

The Brief

ITLocator.com is trailblazer in providing localised area-specific search engine for IT solution providers. The endeavour required data integration of mammoth proportions, in fact, the pertinence and purpose of this project was so crucial that even Google had joined in to become the co-sponsor of the project. The existing platform, a search engine based website, of IT Locator needed redeveloping of content with added flexibility and functionality to enhance user experience. The dissemination of information needed to be customised and funnelled for an efficient and accurate search of the specific offerings of each service provider. Also, the new system needed to be monitored and analysed by the integration of Analytics.

The Approach

After research and analysis of the existing search engine of IT Locator, HGS Interactive proposed to overhaul the website and outlined wireframe for revamped website that added functionality with purpose. HGS Interactive created a search engine that collated and disbursed results that were detailed, yet accurate and pertinent to end user. The current process of gathering information about service providers was rigid, the existing system profiled all service providers in a standard manner, leaving them no option to display certificates, if any, of their expertise, or provide added information. Limitations such as these were hampering the purpose of website, rendering it incapable to exercise its reach.

The Solution

• HGS Interactive revamped the existing PHP website to incorporate paid subscription of the listing services.
• A completely new search engine application was designed that filtered results and provided exact location specific results. Example, if a user types in: Looking for a Computer Engineer, motherboard crashed, Block 3, 6th Avenue, Road 50, New Hampshire, - Local search was integrated on Google Maps to pinpoint to the nearest IT solution provider.
• An interface was built by means of which local Solution Providers listed on the website could be marketed to people using widgets on the marketing partner's website. The new website publicised the same to its users and gave them a preview of the added functionalities.
• Various parameters in a profile were customised so that administrators could manage the same within the system.
• Options for e-newsletter and e-publication subscriptions were provided to the users.
• A rating functionality was also developed for the same wherein Solution Providers could be rated for services.
• The overall website was restructured to make user experience a pleasant one by providing them with the best and most appropriate solution providers.

The Result

Finding a neighbourhood IT guy was never so easy! Users benefited from the smooth process of searching a local IT solution provider, the information of which was now accessible to them on a click. The make-over of IT Locator was an added advantage to IT solution providers too, with added functionalities they were able to create a profile for their company and found it a facilitating proposition. The brand new features helped service providers get a feedback by ratings- not only from customers, but also from other service providers (peer rating). Service providers had the option to enter up to three locations of operations. Being integrated with Google Analytics and Google Maps, the site would now help service providers to access analytical details about their specific page, and the map will help users find the service provider's exact location. The widget that has been created works as per user's location and interests, and displays ads pertaining to their details.