February 2007

Network PR helps tech company join the climate change challenge

Network PR showed that smaller tech companies can ‘punch above their weight’ when it launched Australia’s first carbon neutral web hosting service this month - to significant acclaim from web users and media.

It exhibited the pr agency’s strong knowledge of business technology processes and the B2B sector.

The client was web hosting company ilisys (www.ilisys.com.au), whose prime market is SMEs whom it is estimated employ over 40 percent of Australia’s workforce.

ilisys had spent considerable time in 2006 auditing its carbon ‘footprint’ and devising ways of negating its impact on the environment.  Initiatives included switching to 100 percent renewable energy such as wind and solar power and offsetting the impact of staff and business travel by planting trees. 

“The timing of this company approaching Network PR could not have been better,” said Network PR Account Director Geoff Hoddinott. “The environment in general, and climate change in particular, are topics that will dominate media coverage throughout the year. 

 “While there is evidence that large IT vendors are beginning to address issues such as the recycling of computers and the massive power consumption of data centres, it was refreshing to see a smaller player with such vision and commitment.”

For ilisys, its position as Australia’s first carbon neutral web host represents potential for not only making a positive impact on our environment, but for also gaining a unique marketing advantage.

Before the launch Network PR worked with ilisys on messaging, and ‘packaging’ of their initiative and undertook media training for a client who had never been in the public or media eye previously.  Media releases were then crafted focusing on both the relevance of this service to SME’s and its environmental benefits - and sent to over 150 media.

Initial media interest and coverage exceeded expectations - in just the first few days Network PR was able to secure several interviews for ilisys’ spokesperson.

“As part of our recommendations for ilisys, we also recommended that their current customer base of over 18,000 companies be informed of the green status of their hosting partner immediately in advance of media distribution”, said Hoddinott.  “The success from this initiative astounded our client, with ilisys receiving enthusiastic accolades from grateful and impressed customers from all over Australia, building incredible goodwill - and word-of-mouth.”

View Ilysis Media Coverage