RICHMOND, VA — (Marketwire) — 09/27/12 — Starting today, choosing the right technology will be much easier for small business owners in Richmond, Va. (), thanks to an innovative software-as-a-service App Store introduced by the and , a global leading business app store provider.
The Chamber App Store — the first Chamber of Commerce app store of its kind in the United States — provides member small business owners with simplified access to more than 1,300 trusted SaaS applications that help them automate and manage their business operations, while eliminating the high capital expenses of purchasing and deploying hardware and software designed to improve their operational efficiency.
Chrystal Neal, the Chamber-s director of Creativity & Innovation, discovered the potential for a pre-qualified SaaS app store through a webinar presentation by the founder and CEO of SaaS Markets, Ferdi Roberts.
“The Greater Richmond Chamber is continuously searching for cutting-edge resources to meet the ever-changing needs of our small business members,” said Neal. “After discussing our challenges with Ferdi Roberts, we realized how we could combine an app store backed by some of the strongest companies in our region with an online university that provides owners with the resources and in-depth knowledge they need to run their businesses more efficiently and productively. This Chamber App Store illustrates the power of our joint collaboration.”
The online App Store, called the “Chamber Small Business App Store” allows for small business owners to browse, test and purchase the technology tools they need, quickly and without the complications that arise from managing software on their own servers. The Store offers a variety of SaaS applications, organized by function and industry, to meet all members- needs. Applications vary from administrative and office tools to business management and analytics, relevant for all industries ranging from agriculture to technology.
“The Chamber Small Business App Store will deliver value to small business owners through intuitive and innovative tools that drive operational efficiencies and meet the evolving needs of customers,” said Roberts. “By partnering with SaaS Markets, the Richmond Chamber is sparing its members the time-consuming troubles of managing software, allowing them to focus on developing their businesses, instead of distracting them with the need to evaluate, deploy and maintain software.”
The inception of the App Store will be announced today, September 27, at the first meeting of the Richmond Chamber-s new educational program, “.” The program consists of monthly meetings focused on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs make smarter business decisions. Each meeting will feature a presentation by a local small business expert on various related topics, followed by a networking cocktail hour to build stronger relationships.
To visit the Chamber-s new App Store please go to .
Since 1867, the Greater Richmond Chamber () has taken the lead to enhance and institute change in the Richmond Region, making the region an ideal location for businesses to prosper. The Chamber, a not-for-profit business membership association with 1,200 members and a professional staff of 24, is a catalyst for business development and the voice of business in Greater Richmond.
SaaS Markets, based in San Mateo, Calif. and Dublin, Ireland, designs and delivers App Stores for the software as a service (SaaS) market. Through relationships with major financial institutions, retail brands, technology companies, small business associations and leading brands, SaaS Markets is bringing software as a service to millions of small and medium-sized businesses across the globe. SaaS Markets offers individual businesses a user-friendly portal that makes it easy to choose the SaaS tool that is right for their business needs. Learn more at: or call 650.458.0748.
Carrie Smith
SaaS Markets
650.458.0748 ext. 102
Jacqueline Velasco
The Hoffman Agency for SaaS Markets
408.975.3012
Lesley Bruno
Greater Richmond Chamber
804.783.9328
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