Today almost every company has a website. In fact, having a site is really more of a cost of entry than any real competitive advantage. But some companies are working to create a web presence that really stands out. They hope that by creating something memorable online, it will be more appealing to do business with them. Unfortunately, those types of web sites aren’t technically easy to pull off. So how do companies get from big ideas to internet reality? That’s where Information Control Corporation’s (ICC) newly launched Creative Services Group comes in.

As Web 2.0 tools become more popular, companies are hurrying to take advantage of the medium as a marketing tool. Firms are creating online experiences where the user is a real participant, not just a reader of static information. When a site is interactive, customers get a more concrete feel for a product or service. They can see shirts in different colors or find flooring that will match the walls in their family rooms. Websites that contain features like these are collectively referred to as Rich Internet Applications (RIA).

RIAs make web sites more engaging, increasing the likelihood that consumers will spend a long time at the site, and eventually make purchases. They also enhance the overall impression customers get of a company.

“With thousands of messages competing for everyone’s attention, a company’s website has to be really special to stand out. And a highly interactive and engaging site can be technically complicated,” says Corey Tomasso, Practice Leader for ICC’s Creative Services Group. Tomasso saw a growing number of companies using RIAs to build bigger and better sites, but he also knew the challenges faced when developing the ideal interactive experience.

Traditionally, agencies who specialize in web design can make a site look great, but need to partner with an IT firm to complete the technology that drives the site. And vice versa – an IT firm can create a lot of functionality, but will need to engage a design agency to get a professional look and match the company brand.

Tomasso has been on both sides. “Designers and technical people usually work in very different ways. A lot of times they don’t communicate well, so it can be difficult to come together and build a really successful site,” he says.

ICC fills the gap between creative design and IT by consolidating high-end Creative and IT professionals under one roof. Tomasso leads a team of consultants with expertise in Visual Design, Usability, and Interactive technologies like Adobe Flash, Flex, and Microsoft WPF (Silverlight). The Creative Services group works tightly integrated with ICC’s Application Development Group which specializes in the technologies required for large data-driven applications that drive what goes on behind the scenes. Now instead of working with two companies (one for design and one for technology), clients can rely on ICC for both.

Says Tomasso, “With everyone in one shop following one process, and communicating effectively, we have a momentum you just can’t get with two different companies. This synergy helps our clients sell things more effectively on the web. We can make their products come alive in a way that just isn’t possible with a typical static web site.”

About ICC:
ICC is the largest locally-owned IT solutions firm in Ohio, providing professional consulting and project outsourcing for mid-market and Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries. Our services include application development, networking technologies, business intelligence, technical support and project management.

Contact:
Aziza Jones
ajones@iccohio.com
2500 Corporate Exchange Drive
Suite 310
Columbus, OH 43231
Ph: 614.523.3070