Located in Toronto, with wholly owned operations in the United Kingdom and South America, MARKETSPACE enjoys a reputation for providing effective communications, presentation and advertising packages for a wide range of high profile clients, including many Fortune 500 companies.

With strong account management, strategic thinking and good communication skills the company has an enviable list of clients including Allstate Insurance, Bestfoods Canada, CB Richard Ellis, Chatelaine, CIBC World Markets, CREIT, GE Capital, Moen Inc., Rogers Media, Omnicom, Oracle, Parmalat, Readers Digest, Sun Life Financial, Toshiba and Unilock.

Marketspace provides clients with strategic consultation, exciting design and high level programming which, combined with ongoing support will maximize the effectiveness of any Internet based project.

The focus of concentration is in three definitive areas; new media strategies, web site development and the creation of multimedia applications.

New Media Strategies First class design, expert programming and exceptional functionality are only components of the successful formula required to create an effective web site, a CD ROM, or other new media applications.

To achieve the most effectiveness an Internet project must be built on a strategy that fits into an overall marketing and communications programme. The MARKETSPACE electronic commerce consultants can quickly recommend strategic and design solutions that work harmoniously with existing efforts. Incorporating these new media solutions will sustain and enhance any corporate image and ultimately, any organization's status.

The MARKETSPACE consultation does not end once a project has been completed. The Internet is constantly monitored as are all new media technologies, ensuring that the client remains current with the latest developments.

Web Site Development

Integrating superior design, technology and marketing capabilities, MARKETSPACE will ensure that an organization's digital communications are logically planned, scale well over time and are easy to use, administer and manage.

MARKETSPACE has the capability to provide advanced electronic commerce solutions that focus on:
- adding value to your goods and services
- creating on-line communities
- selling on-line
- collecting customer information
- tracking sales leads

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION

MARKETSPACE navigation strategies will guide a web site's visitors through large amounts of information easily and efficiently. The company creates distinctive, professional and intuitive visuals that apply specifically to target audiences, making visits memorable and communications retainable.

MARKETSPACE is dedicated to the design and development of multimedia applications that will enhance any corporate image and add substance to an overall business strategy.

Multimedia applications include:
- Electronic Portfolios & Brochures
- CD ROM & Disk Presentations
- Laptop Presentations
- Tutorials & Training Tools
- Interactive Kiosks
- Screen Savers

From initial concept and design, through storyboarding, prototyping, and implementation, a talented team of Computer Artists, Sound & Video Engineers, Animation Specialists, Interface Designers and Authoring Wizards will deliver top quality productions that engage and inform the targeted audience.

Step 1 Determine Objectives and Target Audience
Identify with the client who the target audience is and what their needs are, considering general attitudes and technological sophistication. Reach consensus with the client as to the main objectives of the digital media programme, and how they fit with the organization's overall business plan.

Step 2 Competitive Review and Analysis Conduct a review of competitive and industry related activity in new media, as well as other relevant media. Analyze how the client's programme will fit into this marketscape (i.e. Does it establish the organization as a leader in its field?).

Step 3 Content Assessment
Determine with the client what content is available and what the source will be. Is existing material available in electronic format, or will it be developed specifically for the digital media programme? The nature of the content available will be a major factor in determining the length of development time required.

Step 4 Information Architecture and Site Map
Organize content into logical categories that are easily understood by the target audience. The key is to provide convenient access to information and functionality in such a way that users aren't overwhelmed by the information presented to them.

Step 5 Assess Timing and Costs
Analyze steps one through four to determine the development schedule and costs of the proposed programme.

Step 6 Initial Proposal
The creative direction, content, navigation and functionality that is necessary to meet the client's objectives and address its target audience is detailed in the proposal. A schedule of the process and timing that is required for development is also laid out, along with the costs for design and programming.

Step 7 Client Review and Approval
Amendments to the proposal may be made by the client. This document will then form the basis for development of the digital media programme.

Step 8 Design Concept Development
Conduct a creative briefing with the client and design team. Then brainstorm internally and develop design themes to be presented to the client for review, refinement and approval.

Step 9_Interface and Information Design
Develop the interface and layout of information at various navigation points, to test the intuitiveness
of the overall experience.

Step 10 Refine and Approve Final Design
Test the design internally, among a selected group within the client's organization, and among a focus group consisting of the target audience if necessary. Make refinements to ensure the final design meets the original objectives.

Step 11 Programming and Production
The work of the design, programming and copywriting teams is organized by the project manager who keeps in contact with the client throughout the production process.

Step 12 Testing and Quality Assurance
Accuracy of content, links and functionality are tested internally, then the client is given the
opportunity to test and approve the product prior to launch.

Step 13 Launch and Promotion
Launch of the digital media programme will be promoted through press releases and integration with advertising efforts in other media (e.g print magazines, direct mail, radio, television, out-of-home).

Step 14 Maintenance Program
The schedule for maintenance and updates will be based on the project objectives, budget, and available resources. Depending on the skillset of the client's human resources, maintenance may be conducted internally, by MARKETSPACE, or a combination of the two.

Step 15 Evaluation of Success
Success of the programme is evaluated through usage reporting, feedback forms, spikes in sales and/or consumer inquiries and through other methods. This information is analyzed and used to fine tune and guide the evolution of the digital media programme.

Marketspace employs a talented team of creative and technical professionals which operates from the Toronto headquarters, supported by a marketing and management group with significant experience in the Internet development and communications fields.

MARKETSPACE assigns experts from all three groups to help clients define needs and to begin addressing them. Business strategists create plans to ensure that an organization operates efficiently, and that business needs are being effectively addressed, both internally and externally.

The MARKETSPACE creative group brings expertise in graphic design, design technology, animation, web site architecture, and brand development. The technologists help with system and database design and development, security and network architecture.