'sharpness of mind, keen insight, discernment'

Acumen Solutions specialises in developing Internet applications for companies and organisations involved in healthcare. You could be a pharmaceutical company, a medical supplies distributor, a medical equipment supplier, an NHS Trust, or a professional association. If your organisation is involved in healthcare and you're looking for an Internet solution, then come to Acumen.

Our aim is to help both information providers and Internet users make better use of this new communications medium, and fulfill the true potential of the Internet.

Acumen has a unique combination of knowledge and understanding of both the Internet and of the world of healthcare. We can help you to solve the mystery of the Internet and set up an Internet service that will really meet your organisation's and and your audience's needs.

Keeping it simple...

There's a competition going on around the world for the most attractive web site! As with other developments in computing, the technology is way ahead of the average user and the equipment that they use. To attract users,complex graphics are being used to make sites more alluring.But this approach slow downs information transfer to the average Internet user who often can't be bothered to wait. Result? The user moves on to another site and ignores your information, however well it is presented. We believe that if the information is relevant and of practical use, and the user knows where to find it, providing fast access and keeping it simple is the best philosophy at this stage of development in Internet technology. Excellent design does not imply complex design.

Why should you choose Acumen?

Because:

• Our background and experience in healthcare gives us a better understanding of the communication and information needs of healthcare organisations.
• Our emphasis is on providing Internet solutions that are really relevant to your organisation's needs and the needs of your audiences. We provide web site solutions that are practical, user focused and supported by excellent rather than extravagant design.
• We speak your language, and not 'Net speak'. We believe in keeping things simple and not trying to blind you with the science of the Internet.
• Through our HealthIndex Web site and our publishing activities, Acumen stays abreast of the latest developments in healthcare on the Internet.

Here's how we can help you to make the most of the communications and business opportunities offered by the Internet.

First steps

We will not design your Web site until we have thought through the objectives for the service. You must be clear about what you are trying to achieve through the Internet. So, before setting up a Web site, we will consider and discuss with you:

• What are the objectives for the Web service?
• Why should users visit the site and how will it benefit them?
• Who are the target users for the site?

Acumen will design and develop a Web site that will fulfill the objectives established in the early stages of the project. We are not restricted to the design and programming skills available in the UK. Acumen has developed a network of Web designers who have gained their expertise through the development of web sites in the USA - the most advanced Internet market in the world.The amount of design and programming input will depend upon the complexity of the site and the availability of existing text and materials that can be adapted for Web use.

Maintaining the site

Your site needs to be kept up to date and should develop as your information requirements change and as experience of the Internet grows. Acumen will handle all updating of the content and structure of your site.

Getting connected

There are a number of ways in which you can access the Internet and publish your Web information. We will advise you on the most cost effective option,and will contact appropriate service providers to arrange an Internet connection along with the necessary software, hardware and server.

Publicising the site

For people to make use of your site, they need to know that it exists! Acumen will undertake the following:

• notifying the major Web search engines of the existence of your site and its contents
• notifying relevant healthcare sites of your presence
• notifying relevant Web magazines, publications and directories of your web site
• notifying press and media of the establishment of your site and preparing press releases and briefing notes on the new service.

Training

For the uninitiated or for the newcomer to the Internet, finding information on it can be a nightmare. Our "Search and Research" service offers companies and organisations an easy solution to finding out what's there.

Before developing a Web site, you may want to know what your competitors are offering on the Internet, you may want to track down specific information about your business area or you may be exploring a new business area. We will agree a brief on what it is that you are looking for, and then we will see what we can find.

We will provide you with down loaded pages on disk or hard copy, plus a summary of current activity in the area that you have specified.

Charges are based on an hourly rate agreed for each research project.