TM INTRODUCES ITS GEOMATIC APPLICATION - TM SMARTMAP

TM collaborates with three parties to offer its SME customers web-based map application to support business decision making

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today launched its web-based map application, SmartMap to the SME market. SmartMap, the first of its kind in Malaysia, combines TM's digital map with valuable business data which allows customers to perform geo-spatial analysis to support business decision-making.

SmartMap is a web-based solution or Software-as-a-Service that enables interactive analysis including area ring search and zoning, plotting internal data and sharing visual data. With rich information, interactivity and accuracy of imagery from SMartMap, users can search, analyse and share important data easily, anywhere, anytime.Azizi A. Hadi, Executive Vice President, SME, TM (left) officially launching TM’s web-based map application, SmartMap, joined by (from 2nd left to right) Abdul Malik Abdullah, Chairman of MFA, Loh-Lim Shen Yi, Manager, Business Operations, iProperty, Alfian Abu Talib, CEO, TM Info-Media and Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, General Manager, SME, TM.

In bringing SmartMap to the SME market, TM has established collaboration with three (3) partners - Malaysia Franchise Association (MFA), TM Info-Media (TMIM) and iProperty Sdn Bhd (iProperty).

Via this collaboration with MFA, TM offers to MFA members not only SmartMap application, but also fixed line, business broadband and WiFi@Outlet services. MFA will be TM’s strategic partner in promoting SmartMap and WiFi@Outlet to all its registered members. In return, TM will offer its support to MFA in every possible way to ensure its benefits and values have maximum reach to MFA’s members. This is an excellent opportunity for both TM and MFA to be seen as actively commemorating government’s initiatives in encouraging SME’s involvement in franchising for the benefit of MFA members.

TMIM and iProperty are the two parties which collaborated with TM as the content providers for the SmartMap application.

The collaboration between TM and TMIM includes data exchanges between the two companies in which TMIM will provide the business listing and directory services of Yellow to TM. TM, on the other hand, will be providing data on Point of Interest (POI) and GPS location to TMIM.

As for iProperty, a well-known online based service for real estate industry in Malaysia, this collaboration with TM facilitates both parties to leverage on each other’s strength and expertise, where iProperty provides their property listing to TM on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, TM will provide marketing coverage and thematic property valuation map. TM will then geocode the property data into TM’s digital map and converting them into derivative data for SmartMap.

Azizi A. Hadi, Executive Vice President of SME, TM, and Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, General Manager, SME, TM signed the Agreement on behalf of TM, whilst MFA was represented by Abdul Malik Abdullah, Chairman of MFA and Muhamad Shukri Salleh, Secretary General of MFA.

Speaking at the event, Azizi A. Hadi said, “I am excited to launch this new solution, SmartMap, the first of its kind in Malaysia, and it is a stepping stone for SME businesses to improve their business with ICT and be at competitive advantage. SmartMap is a web-based solution that combines TM’s digital map with valuable business data that provides businesses with valuable geographical and demographical data to help them make more informed business decisions. It provides access to demographic distribution, property valuation, and business information which are vital in determining the best location to setup their business, expansions or even potential target market.”

The add-on features of SmartMap also allow businesses to combine their own outlet information, customer profile and company internal data for in-depth analysis and concise evaluation for decision making. By using SmartMap, businesses not only can analyze but also share key planning information effectively amongst their employees and business partners in cooperative and collaborative manner. This information is valuable in making informed decision especially in analyzing the market and competition, determining the best location for new outlet expansions and to target potential markets.

TM digital map in SmartMap is updated on monthly basis and all data are reliable which are sourced from Department of Statistic Malaysia and iProperty, the largest property directory in Malaysia.

“In short, SmartMap offers an affordable and easy-to-use solution that can help SME to forecast and grow their business, gain control over their operation and overcome competitive hurdles. At TM, we stay committed true to our promise to the SME market, that is “Business Made Easy with TM”,” Azizi added.

WiFi @ Outlet is a wireless broadband internet access service offered by TM where access points will be installed at the customer’s premise that enable users to enjoy wireless broadband Internet access via their laptop, netbook, PDA and smartphones. TM WiFi service will make business outlets more appealing and thus attract more customers to visit their premises, which in turn, could bring in more revenue for the business. It makes perfect business sense which is beneficial to both business and customers because it provides increased revenue opportunities and enhance customer satisfaction.

“Through this strategic collaboration with three of Malaysia’s prestigious and reliable entities, TM is providing another avenue for SMEs to further enhance their business via ICT through geographical marketing analysis tool. This partnership will also add value to TM’s partnership with SMEs in line with the Company’s aspiration to become the preferred communications partner for SMEs,” Azizi ended.

For more information on TM and its products for the SME, log on to www.tm.com.my.