Bank One and Microsoft have launched the first phase of their joint initiative to provide small business management solutions to bank customers via the Internet.
Bank customers can now access Microsoft's bCentral suite of integrated business solutions via the bankone.com Web site.
Built on the .NET platform, bCentral offers Web hosting and email services; marketing tools, Submit It! and List Builder, to utilise search engines and drive Web and email advertising campaigns; management of sales via online catalogues and Internet marketplaces such as eBay; and online appointment scheduling to improve customer service.
Michael Cleary, Bank One executive vice president, says: "Together with Microsoft, Bank One helps businesses with banking and online business solutions because we know that owners have more than a full- time job just serving their customers and running their companies."
In December, Bank One and Microsoft entered a $30 million partnership to jointly promote and develop services and products for the two companies' US customers, focusing on consumers and small and mid-size businesses.