Red Herring announced last week that Central Desktop, Inc., the leading provider of SaaS (software as a service) collaboration software to the SMB market, has been named a finalist for the Red Herring Global 100. Every year, Red Herring recognizes the top 100 most respected privately held technology companies in the world. More than 1,200 nominations were submitted for consideration for this year's award. Last year, Red Herring recognized Central Desktop as a North America Finalist - the company is proud to be included in the Red Herring Global Finalist list.Central Desktop has had a successful year and is truly honored to be selected as a finalist along with so many solid candidates.
Past award winners include Google, Yahoo!, Skype, Netscape, Salesforce.com and Youtube. The Red Herring Winners will be announced in San Diego, CA on January 14-16, 2009.
Red Herring, Inc., is global media company that focuses on technology, financing and entrepreneurial activity.
View Red Herring Finalists List
Before we kick-off the New Year of 2009, I wanted to do a quick reflection on 2008.Our small company has achieved significant milestones over the past year . We've grown from a handful of employees and contractors to more than 20 full-time employees at the time of this writing. During the past year, our revenues and customer counts have grown every month and every quarter. In fact, even in these difficult economic times, our fourth quarter was our best quarter ever with a particularly good November and December.
Our rapid employee growth has been a result of many factors converging at once; primarily we've grown out of customer need and demand, but we've also grown as a result of a $7 million cash infusion from Openview Venture Partners that we closed in early 2008. After bootstrapping the company for almost three years we decided that it was time to accelerate our growth and expand the company; a milestone that we have not regretted to this day.
The additional resources have allowed us to improve and develop more aggressively on our core product, Central Desktop. As I scanned the Release Notes that we post on the Forum I realized that in addition to company, customer and revenue achievements this past year, that we also made significant product enhancements and improvements.
As a recap for 2008, I wanted to highlight some of the key features that we've released, noting that an advantage to developing on a pure, multi-tenant SaaS platform - is that our customers realize the benefits of these features by simply refreshing their browser - and eliminate costly downtime or expensive resources often experienced during traditional software upgrades:
- More Storage for Everyone. In February, we increased everyone's storage by 100-500%.
- Increased File Upload Limits. We also increased file upload limits from 100MB to 250MB.
- Workspace Templates. Added "Workspace Templates" to manage repeating projects and customized workspaces. Saves a ton of time!
- Usage Reports. Administrators can report on "Popular Search Terms" "Search History" and "User Usage" - ideal for measuring adoption and increasing usage.
- Web Capture Form. Ability to capture data from a web-form on any website and store that data inside a Central Desktop database.
- Record Webinars. Ability to record web meetings and webinars via the Web Meeting client.
- API v2.0. The SOAP API was retooled to allow access to databases contained within workspaces.
- User Profile Extensions. Options to add custom fields to user profiles.
- Time Tracking. Ability to track time associated with Tasks.
- Help Desk. We released a turnkey Help Desk Workspace Template for managing tickets, bugs, incidents.
- Search Improvements. Inclusion of "phrase matching," one-click filters by file type and advanced search capabilities by workspace, tag and file type.
- Workflow. Powerful rules engine to configure auto-notification and auto-task creation based on predetermined criteria (i.e. when documents are changed, edited, deleted, etc.)
- Free Conference Calling For Everyone. Addition of Free Conference Calling as part of the Calendering system.
- Bulk File Download. Download and delete multiple files/folders at one time.
- Enterprise Edition. Enhanced product offering to cater to companies and departments of more than 100 users that require advanced security options, service level agreements, workflow engine and Salesforce.com connections.
- Safari and Chrome Browser Support! A long time in the making - finally released.
- AJAX Hovers. Hover balloons for Calendar items to quickly view Task, Milestone or Event details.
- Task Hiding / Archiving. Setting to auto-hide / auto-archive old and completed tasks.
- New Help Center. Powerful new Help Center to assist users.
As for 2009, we've got a lot more coming at you beginning in early January. Look for a powerful Plugin to tie Central Desktop calendars and tasks directly into Microsoft Outlook. 2009 will also include additional UI enhancements and stronger customization functionality.
2008 was a very good year for collaboration software Central Desktop - but thanks to you, we see an even brighter future in 2009. We see Central Desktop growing in the down economy and emerging as a strong market leader in the SaaS-based Social Technology arena.
Thank you all for your business and your continuous feedback - we read and examine every single email, comment, voicemail, blog post and tweet that you send us. We appreciate your voice.
As we close the chapter on 2008 - lets look forward to a brighter and successful 2009!
There I was. At wits
end and staring at the bright white blank screen on my cell phone.
Unable to access text messages or my contacts, I dial the memorized
customer service number. The "Customer Service" representative that I
connect with immediately pushed me to their support team. Unable to
troubleshoot my white blank screen issue, I am transferred back to
Customer Service. I am told that I have insurance on my phone, so it
will only be a $50 deductible to get a replacement. This is on a phone
that I spent $70 on and even more on insurance. I said "No thanks"
to that and canceled the useless insurance. This is not a trip to the
doctor, just give me a phone that works. I ask about getting a new
phone that has been released at a great price point to new
customers. I am told that I will get to pay twice as much for the
same phone because I am an existing customer. I quickly put 2 and 2
together and asked a simple question. "What incentive is there for me
to remain a customer of yours at this point, when I can go to a
different carrier and get a brand new and better phone for less
money?". The Customer Service person could not answer the question for
me. I asked to speak with her manager as I thought - "Wow, not one
reason?". After speaking with the manager for 10 minutes I finally
downgraded my plan from all of the expensive features I liked down to a
simple "minutes-only" plan. I got off the phone wondering why they could not
make a customer happy or at least less irritated.
About an hour later I thought, maybe there is someone there that I can talk to, someone that can make this right and prevent me from having to go through the hassle of changing carriers. Two more calls and no luck.
Later that night, I decided to give it one more try. This time, I wanted to do was scream at a manager. I felt screwed and uncared for as a customer. I call the number one last time. The woman that answered the phone was Judy. I quickly let her know that she should transfer me to her manager because she shouldn't have to deal with someone as irritated and unreasonable as I have become. She let me know that she would be happy to do so, but was hoping there was a chance that she would be able to help me. Reluctantly, I said - "Really? OK! Here goes- Rabble#&$^*Rabble#*#&^$#*&$Rabble!!!!"
She listened, she understood, she let me vent and then - the unthinkable happened - she helped me.
Judy turned me around in 2 minutes. I let her know that all I wanted was a new phone and I would be happy again. She told me that if I started a new contract with them that I could get an even better phone than the one I originally wanted and for less money. I could barely believe what was happening. I was originally told that I couldn't do that and that I would have to pay full price. She was knowledgeable, helpful and genuine. I could tell that she absolutely cared about me as a customer and truly wanted me to be happy.
Five minutes of talking to the right person resulted in me signing up with a new two year contract, buying a new phone (with insurance!) and paying for a higher calling/data plan then I had before. I asked her if I could please talk to her manager so I could tell him or her how amazing she is. She refused me and said - "Look, I am just doing my job and making you happy is all the kudos that I need."
Judy rules.
Why are there not more Judys in the world, or even at my cell phone carrier? Why did I have to go through three calls with five other people before I took it upon myself to find Judy? Think of all the unhappy customers that cell phone carrier has because there are so few Judys out there. All it really took was her listening to me and knowing what my options were. Things not even the manager on duty could do.
I think that this has over the last twenty years or so become the norm. Which makes me so sad. Now a trip to a clothing store is going to result in one or two usual results - you will either be ignored to no end because the people working are bored to tears or are too busy having fun - and/or - you are punished with endless marketing ploys of signing up for this card and singing up for that program just so you can get your clothes and get out of there.
Have the days of putting the customer first really come to an end? Not everywhere.
I went to a shoe store in Santa Monica with a friend a couple of weeks ago. The customer service was amazing. Knowledgeable and friendly - you could tell this person not only worked at the store and loved her job- but she also loved the SHOES! She was passionate and it did not take long for us to share the same passion. We left as very happy customers and I would recommend this place to anyone.
Is it the people, the product, the customer, the economy or the company that controls the level of customer service? I am not sure. Maybe it just comes down to the golden rule? Maybe companies are putting their bottom line before the customer, while forgetting that the customer drives the bottom line. The people are revolting with their wallets. Even with gas prices way down, online retailers did much better this Christmas than the stores you could walk into.
I always try to make sure that when I interact with a Central Desktop customer that I do so in the exact same way that I want to be treated. I also believe that I share the same passion of the product that they do (or will!). (Ask my roommates - they get sick of hearing me talk about Central Desktop and how they can do this or that with it!) The passion I have for the product has led to the knowledge I have in the product (which results in more passion!).
I like to think that this is one of the many things that sets collaboration software Central Desktop apart from our competitors. You can call us and reach a real human voice on the other end of the line. And when you reach that person, you'll find it is someone that knows the tool, understands it's capabilities, knows how it can help you and (my favorite part) - actually uses it.
Together, I think consumers can take back their rights to be treated as the paycheck signers we are. Please let me know by way of comments any great stories or anecdotes that you have. I would love to hear them.
end and staring at the bright white blank screen on my cell phone.
Unable to access text messages or my contacts, I dial the memorized
customer service number. The "Customer Service" representative that I
connect with immediately pushed me to their support team. Unable to
troubleshoot my white blank screen issue, I am transferred back to
Customer Service. I am told that I have insurance on my phone, so it
will only be a $50 deductible to get a replacement. This is on a phone
that I spent $70 on and even more on insurance. I said "No thanks"
to that and canceled the useless insurance. This is not a trip to the
doctor, just give me a phone that works. I ask about getting a new
phone that has been released at a great price point to new
customers. I am told that I will get to pay twice as much for the
same phone because I am an existing customer. I quickly put 2 and 2
together and asked a simple question. "What incentive is there for me
to remain a customer of yours at this point, when I can go to a
different carrier and get a brand new and better phone for less
money?". The Customer Service person could not answer the question for
me. I asked to speak with her manager as I thought - "Wow, not one
reason?". After speaking with the manager for 10 minutes I finally
downgraded my plan from all of the expensive features I liked down to a
simple "minutes-only" plan. I got off the phone wondering why they could not
make a customer happy or at least less irritated.About an hour later I thought, maybe there is someone there that I can talk to, someone that can make this right and prevent me from having to go through the hassle of changing carriers. Two more calls and no luck.
Later that night, I decided to give it one more try. This time, I wanted to do was scream at a manager. I felt screwed and uncared for as a customer. I call the number one last time. The woman that answered the phone was Judy. I quickly let her know that she should transfer me to her manager because she shouldn't have to deal with someone as irritated and unreasonable as I have become. She let me know that she would be happy to do so, but was hoping there was a chance that she would be able to help me. Reluctantly, I said - "Really? OK! Here goes- Rabble#&$^*Rabble#*#&^$#*&$Rabble!!!!"
She listened, she understood, she let me vent and then - the unthinkable happened - she helped me.
Judy turned me around in 2 minutes. I let her know that all I wanted was a new phone and I would be happy again. She told me that if I started a new contract with them that I could get an even better phone than the one I originally wanted and for less money. I could barely believe what was happening. I was originally told that I couldn't do that and that I would have to pay full price. She was knowledgeable, helpful and genuine. I could tell that she absolutely cared about me as a customer and truly wanted me to be happy.
Five minutes of talking to the right person resulted in me signing up with a new two year contract, buying a new phone (with insurance!) and paying for a higher calling/data plan then I had before. I asked her if I could please talk to her manager so I could tell him or her how amazing she is. She refused me and said - "Look, I am just doing my job and making you happy is all the kudos that I need."
Judy rules.
Why are there not more Judys in the world, or even at my cell phone carrier? Why did I have to go through three calls with five other people before I took it upon myself to find Judy? Think of all the unhappy customers that cell phone carrier has because there are so few Judys out there. All it really took was her listening to me and knowing what my options were. Things not even the manager on duty could do.
I think that this has over the last twenty years or so become the norm. Which makes me so sad. Now a trip to a clothing store is going to result in one or two usual results - you will either be ignored to no end because the people working are bored to tears or are too busy having fun - and/or - you are punished with endless marketing ploys of signing up for this card and singing up for that program just so you can get your clothes and get out of there.
Have the days of putting the customer first really come to an end? Not everywhere.
I went to a shoe store in Santa Monica with a friend a couple of weeks ago. The customer service was amazing. Knowledgeable and friendly - you could tell this person not only worked at the store and loved her job- but she also loved the SHOES! She was passionate and it did not take long for us to share the same passion. We left as very happy customers and I would recommend this place to anyone.
Is it the people, the product, the customer, the economy or the company that controls the level of customer service? I am not sure. Maybe it just comes down to the golden rule? Maybe companies are putting their bottom line before the customer, while forgetting that the customer drives the bottom line. The people are revolting with their wallets. Even with gas prices way down, online retailers did much better this Christmas than the stores you could walk into.
I always try to make sure that when I interact with a Central Desktop customer that I do so in the exact same way that I want to be treated. I also believe that I share the same passion of the product that they do (or will!). (Ask my roommates - they get sick of hearing me talk about Central Desktop and how they can do this or that with it!) The passion I have for the product has led to the knowledge I have in the product (which results in more passion!).
I like to think that this is one of the many things that sets collaboration software Central Desktop apart from our competitors. You can call us and reach a real human voice on the other end of the line. And when you reach that person, you'll find it is someone that knows the tool, understands it's capabilities, knows how it can help you and (my favorite part) - actually uses it.
Together, I think consumers can take back their rights to be treated as the paycheck signers we are. Please let me know by way of comments any great stories or anecdotes that you have. I would love to hear them.
If you've used Central Desktop at all, you probably realize that there is a plethora of features and options available. As simple and intuitive as the application is, it's also extremely flexible. So last month, we re-launched our online Help Center with a ton of new content. Quite a few hours have gone into this project and we hope it will serve as a guide and reference for both new and experienced users. Access the Help Center in the Help menu near the top-right corner of the Central Desktop application.
Some noteworthy changes are:
• Search-A prominent search box is smack-dab in the middle of the page
-Type in a question or key words and search both Help Center articles and the User Forum
-The search results can be restricted to either the Help Center or the Forum
• Better Organization-The Help Center landing page lists the main help categories as well as quick links to Network and System Status, Tools and Plug-Ins, and other resources
-Tabs at the top of the landing page go directly to Video Tutorials, New Feature announcements, and a Contact Us form for sending email to our support team or posting to the User Forum
• New Content-Over 100 Help articles have been added along with about 25 video tutorials, with many more to come
-Click on the "Yes" and "No" buttons at the bottom of any Help article to tell us what you think of the content.
The main reason we put this effort into the Help Center is to increase user adoption and improve user experience. Again, we want you to get the most out of Central Desktop and provide administrators with tools for getting their team members on board and up to speed. A secondary benefit is better technical support. Users have quick access to common questions and problems because our tech team isn't spending as much time answering the same questions over and over... which keeps support costs down and respond to users faster.
The initial set of articles in the Help Center aims at breadth of information. We covered virtually every feature at a high level. We have answers to the most common questions and troubleshooting tips are included. Articles contain screenshots and links to related videos and other articles, in order to make them as effective as possible.
We'll continue to add more articles and videos with detailed information. Check it out and tell us what you think!
This was the year of collaboration improvements! With dozens of new features to choose from, our top 10 focuses on the ones Central Desktop users value the most:
10. Storage Improvements
- Increased storage 100-500% on all paid plans
- File upload limits were bumped from 100MB to 250MB
-This means you can upload a file that is up to 250MB in size, or batch upload files up to 250MB in size.
9. Templatized Workspaces
- Company plan subscribers can create a "Workspace Template" so that it appears as an option when creating new workspaces -This makes it even easier to manage repeating projects and workflow that require you to clone workspaces or go through a laborious setup process
8. Free Conference Calling for All
- Everyone can schedule a Conference Call - even those not subscribed to Web Meeting Plans
- Add an event to your calendar and select "Include Conference Call Dial In Number
7. API v2.0 - Includes access to the database features
- The new version of the API (SOAP) contains access to databases contained within workspaces and lets you read/edit/add/delete records and view
6. Search
- Improved the relevancy of search
- One click quick filters now appear at the top of search results for quick filtering results by file type
- Advanced Search was added - gives you ability to really restrict your search results to certain workspaces, tags, file types, etc...
5. Security/Enterprise Options
- Enhanced Password Complexity
- Restrict User Access by IP Address
- TLS Trusted Email Encryption
- Single Sign on to Other Applications (Some Configuration Required)
- Create Custom Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
4. Workflow
- Easily automate your on-going or scheduled business processes with the Workflow Engine available only with Central Desktop Enterprise Edition
*Watch the Workflow Video to see how it works
3. Database Improvements
- Added client side validation to all field types -This means that the system will tell the user that a field requires a numeric or is required prior to them clicking submit when adding/editing records.
- Ability to create relational database joins when creating a new database from scratch
- Added a "CC Me" feature to anywhere you can notify users -This allows you to copy yourself on email notifications, so you can see what others are receiving
- The database field types have been loosened
-This means that you can change your field type within the "number family" to any data type (numeric with decimals, without decimals, currency, etc....), as well as change data types within the "text family", single line text, wysiwyg, multi line, etc...
- Database "Date" field types can now store dates prior to 1970 and past 2038
2. Time Tracking
- Track time for the tasks that you've created
*Watch the Time Tracking Video to see how it works
1. Central Desktop Help Center
- 100 FAQs/Articles Published
http://helpcenter.centraldesktop.com
Effortlessly, saving time and money - Manifest Digital reaps benefits of collaboration software. Manifest Digital is an interactive agency that was looking for an easy to use, cost-efficient hosted solution that wouldn't require a lot of additional employee training. After weeks of evaluating and testing different tools, Central Desktop was chosen because of usability and low cost.
Since utilizing Central Desktop, Manifest Digital's growing dispersed team of consultants have been given the freedom to collaborate, share files and manage projects from one centralized forum. In a nutshell, Central Desktop allows them to pull from the same resource easily and securely without having to be under the same roof.
Manifest Digital is getting the job done while improving internal education and communication amongst team members. Collaboration software has enabled them to grow and boost client services. Congratulations, Manifest Digital, and keep on collaborating!
See Manifest Digital's biggest wins using Central Desktop.
We're proud to announce that Central Desktop was listed by Econtent as one of this year's top 100 leaders that matter most in the digital content industry.
"The EContent 100 list represents the best and the brightest digital content companies as selected by a dozen judges who follow different aspects of our vast and varied industry--from vantage points all over the map (literally and figuratively). They offer this list not just to recognize companies that lead our industry, but to inspire organizations of all kinds to join in the content conversation online."
In case you didn't know, this is our 2nd year in a row being recognized in the collaboration software category and once again, we are thrilled to be among the top 100, especially in today's competitive marketplace.
Thanks EContent and congrats to everyone!
See complete list of finalists & learn more about the judges
There always seems to be some subtle nuances to Central Desktop's tool set that are brought to my attention such as workflow. First off, the workflow feature is exclusive to Central Desktop's Enterprise Edition and is, essentially, a rules-based system that generates specific email notifications in response to certain trigger functions.
Let's say you want to send out an email notification in the event of a new file being added to the database. Unless you have the patience to sit in front of a screen waiting for the instant a file is uploaded to the workspace, there will probably be a delay and possibly even a gap in the file sharing process. With the workflow feature, you can easily structure a trigger system that will allow you to schedule email notifications or new tasks once certain conditions are met so complex business processes can be automated.
Workflow not only benefits file sharing but also task management. You can instill "pending approval" rules on recently submitted files whether they are a first draft or a modified document. The workflow feature is similar to developing reflexes to certain stimuli. Honestly, the limit of customization and detail is boundless.
Watch and learn more about Workflow & Triggers
Let's say you want to send out an email notification in the event of a new file being added to the database. Unless you have the patience to sit in front of a screen waiting for the instant a file is uploaded to the workspace, there will probably be a delay and possibly even a gap in the file sharing process. With the workflow feature, you can easily structure a trigger system that will allow you to schedule email notifications or new tasks once certain conditions are met so complex business processes can be automated.
Workflow not only benefits file sharing but also task management. You can instill "pending approval" rules on recently submitted files whether they are a first draft or a modified document. The workflow feature is similar to developing reflexes to certain stimuli. Honestly, the limit of customization and detail is boundless.
Watch and learn more about Workflow & Triggers
Central Desktop is happy to announce the winners of our Social Technology for Social Good Grant. The contest was first announced October 10th 2008 as part of our ongoing effort to show how social technology is being used to make the world a better place. Entrants were encouraged to submit a written entry and were judged on how they would leverage Central Desktop to interact, manage and forward their social good goals.
We had many submissions, and picking winners was no easy task. We are extremely pleased with the results and would like to thank all the organizations who participated, and congratulations to the WINNERS!
The following organizations will receive a 1 year grant to Social Technology Platform Central Desktop:
Audubon - will use Central Desktop's platform to strengthen Audubon Dakota's climate coalition team who are working in the fight to curb the effects of climate change.
Imerman Angels - will use Central Desktop's platform to support their small team of three paid employees who need help managing the efforts of hundreds of geographically dispersed volunteers as well as their organization's outreach, PR, marketing, fundraising and operational activities.
Island Aid - will use Central Desktop's platform to organize the hundreds of volunteers needed to support Island Aid's disaster relief efforts that include raising funds, organizing rescue and relief operations as well as internal projects to prepare for future disasters.
We had many submissions, and picking winners was no easy task. We are extremely pleased with the results and would like to thank all the organizations who participated, and congratulations to the WINNERS!
The following organizations will receive a 1 year grant to Social Technology Platform Central Desktop:
Audubon - will use Central Desktop's platform to strengthen Audubon Dakota's climate coalition team who are working in the fight to curb the effects of climate change.
Imerman Angels - will use Central Desktop's platform to support their small team of three paid employees who need help managing the efforts of hundreds of geographically dispersed volunteers as well as their organization's outreach, PR, marketing, fundraising and operational activities.
Island Aid - will use Central Desktop's platform to organize the hundreds of volunteers needed to support Island Aid's disaster relief efforts that include raising funds, organizing rescue and relief operations as well as internal projects to prepare for future disasters.
Seamlessly managing a team spanning across four continents and ten time zones!? Yea, I'd definitely constitute that as a global enterprise. Abraham & Harrison is an online PR company that confesses to have fumbled around with Basecamp, but found task delegation to be inefficient and oftentimes impossible. Naturally, they sought out a proper business management solution and after four months of sorting through sixty plus SaaS's, they discovered collaboration software company Central Desktop.Since their transition over to Central Desktop, Abraham & Harrison has seen improvements in their ability to assign tasks thanks to CD's bevy of task management tools. By utilizing the CD workspace, they were able to assign and track the progress of tasks delegated to team members all over the world. That's basically working hand-in-hand with someone on the other side of the map without any lag time.
Abraham & Harrison are getting the job done and setting the bar for others. With Central Desktop, you can obtain the cohesiveness you need in order to achieve and succeed. Congratulations, Abraham & Harrison, and keep striving. See Abraham & Harrison's biggest wins using Central Desktop.
