Virtualis Enhances Proprietary E-Commerce And Site Management Web Tools

Market Wire, December, 1999

Virtualis Systems, Inc. today announced the availability of HiRize 4.1(tm), an enhanced version of its proprietary suite of 22 Web site creation and management tools. HiRize 4.1(tm) gives Web designers and developers unprecedented power for creating and maintaining e-commerce sites with point-and-click ease, allowing even unsophisticated users to get on the Web to sell their goods and services.

The Web-based applications feature faster load times, faster shopping cart and catalog creation and an improved user interface. HiRize 4.1(tm) tools are available with hosting options ranging from $36 to $1499 per month.

"In less than one day, Web developers can build a fully functional online storefront," said Chris Lyman, CEO of Virtualis and creator of HiRize. "Our tools provide shopping carts, catalogs, payment processing, mail lists, statistics and security features. All of the tools integrate seamlessly to provide a support-driven one-stop shop for dependable Web hosting and complete e-commerce solutions. Best of all, our customers don't have to know HTML."

HiRize 4.1(tm) site managers also simplify the administration of files, FTP accounts, e-mail and auto responders, POP accounts, virtual hosts, search engines, bulletin boards, chat rooms, Web logs, databases and more.

The applications are compatible with FrontPage 98, Real Audio/Video, SSI, SSL, Java, JavaScript, C, C++, Shockwave, Unix, NT, MSQL, Perl, CGI, FTP, Telnet, IIS, and WPP.

E-commerce Site Creation Tools

The HiRize 4.1 suite brings e-commerce power to the people. Using CartSnap! merchants can build a fully functional, customized e-commerce Web site in six simple steps. Templates provide 63 variations of shopping cart and catalog layouts. Seventeen shipping options tie in with the UPS Shipping Calculator, including an insurance option and overseas shipping fees. Eleven payment options are available with 5 customizable entries including an adjustable tax rate and monetary symbol selection. Customizable discount codes are an option as well as customizable add-ons, such as gift-wrap, cards or accessories. Thumbnail images and large product images can be uploaded and a "Featured item" can be displayed.

GateSnap! closes the e-commerce loop and makes adding online credit card processing very easy. It automatically links the store with 90% of the 300+ payment gateways on the market, eliminating configuration costs and the time involved with integrating a gateway with the store.

Customer and Technical Support

Virtualis clients enjoy a wealth of support resources. The Virtualis in-house support team boasts an average 11-minute response time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, worldwide in most local languages. A set of online guides gives users a useful technical overview that helps Web neophytes understand utilities and software such as MSQL, Telnet, FTP, CGI, FrontPage and Real/Audio Video. One online guide covers Internic registration procedures. Additionally, help pop-up buttons guide a user at every step of the shopping cart creation process.

Ann McAdam of Forbes ASAP was tasked with creating an e-commerce site in less than a month, even though she had never built a Web site before. "I made one call to the Virtualis sales department," she said, "and in less than 24 hours I had my site, complete with all the features that meet Forbes' high standard of excellence. As I've worked on the site, Virtualis' professional support department has been at my beck and call."

About Virtualis

Virtualis Systems, Inc. (http://www.virtualis.com), is an Application Service Provider (ASP) that helps small businesses make an Impossibly EasyTM transition to the Web, via a powerful suite of applications and responsive customer service. Virtualis develops and maintains applications to create and manage Web sites, seamlessly integrates hosting and e-commerce, and maintains a strong focus on small and medium-sized businesses. This integrated solution offers small businesses a support-driven one-stop-shop for dependable Web hosting and site management and e-commerce solutions, with packages starting at $36 per month. Founded in 1996, Virtualis fosters an affiliate network of more than 43,000 IT professionals in over 150 countries.