Globe, which currently operates the largest mobile network in the Philippines, has recently joined hands with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in stimulating growth among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and in making their journey to digital transformation easier.
In a press statement, Globe said that the partnership with DTI entails a 6-month subsidy for m360, a web-based multi-channel messaging platform that can broadcast messages to multiple recipients via SMS or FB messenger.
Under the partnership, m360, a company under the Globe Group and 917Ventures, shall serve as an information dissemination tool for DTI. Globe Business will also offer digital solutions to MSMEs to help them build their livelihood, support their families, and grow their communities.
The collaboration includes the use of a Globe eLibrary as a free platform for the DTI to provide learning content to its stakeholders. The e-library can be accessed by Globe and TM subscribers without data charges. Both parties will also develop digital learning content on tech literacy through eLearning videos and social media content, among others.
Making digital transactions easier for MSMEs
To make digital transformation easier for MSMEs, the combined materials from Globe and DTI will tackle topics such as e-wallets, maximizing applications using APIs (Application Programming Interface), mobile tech solutions for businesses, and lessons about emerging technologies such as cloud and data analytics.
“We want to help our MSME’s in their journey to digital. We know that many of them are struggling to integrate technology in their operations,” said Yoly Crisanto, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of Globe, in a press release. “We hope that with this intervention, we can speed up their digital adoption and help stimulate business growth.”
“Our partnership with Globe enables us to further expand our advocacy in supporting MSMEs through digital interventions that these small businesses may otherwise have no access to. We are grateful to have the country’s leading digital solutions platform supporting them in their journey to business recovery and growth,” Trade Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte was quoted as saying in the same press release.
According to the DTI, more than 99 per cent of businesses in the country today are MSMEs.
Digital tools to help small enterprises and business startups face the future
“Businesses need to equip themselves with all the right connectivity and digital tools so they are ready to face the future. These tools can help them address their operational, marketing, and security challenges like reaching new customers, increasing engagement with existing clients, and facilitating collaboration among their staff and employees while streamlining operations,” Crisanto said.
Through the m360 messaging platform, businesses in the Philippines can send SMS practically anywhere they want. This allows enterprises to reach a wider audience for better brand awareness, customer service and sales, both locally and abroad. Also, its easy-to-use messaging platform covers all aspects of the SMS wholesale business, including over-the-top media services like Viber for Business, Facebook Messenger, and other digital messaging solutions.
According to Crisanto, other tried-and-tested digital solutions that MSMEs could use include the Vehicle Tracker for real-time monitoring of fleet vehicles, Cloud Payroll for automated payroll processing, and the ChatGenie program, which lets business owners manage all their transactions across different channels in just one platform.
For his part, Ramon Hirang, Chief Executive Officer of 360, said that they aim to democratize business messaging and open up telco messaging assets to the world. “m360 strives to improve its global presence for businesses to reach their customers on channels they are familiar with or prefer to use. We partner with mobile network operators worldwide so we can help our clients deliver superb customer experiences through meaningful conversations and boost their revenues in the process.”
m360 is the largest A2P messaging company in the Philippines, delivering best-in-class digital messaging products that amplify customer experience and seamless communications.
To date, the company continues to establish its global presence by enabling outbound international app-to-person (A2P) messages to 227 destinations globally. It has since grown its partner network operators to 700, expanding its reach from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.