Nigerian banks, insurance companies, discounts houses, and telecommunications operators are set to battle for honours on Thursday as Philips Consulting Limited unveils the 2013 Web-Jurist rating of websites in the country.
The annual event has become a landmark that has redefined the way private sector players using the digital media to conduct transactions.
The Web-Jurist Version 11.0 which is in its eleventh year will hold at Eko Hotel, Lagos will see 22 banks, eight telecommunications operators, 24 insurance companies, 14 investment companies and seven discount houses websites and mobile versions evaluated based on the ease of transactions, security and use of latest technologies and customer centricity.
Seun Ngonnase, head of technology division, Phillips Consulting said, Web-Jurist evaluation tool uses intelligent algorithms and processes, involving a detailed step-by-step web analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of websites based on aesthetics, technical aspects, site content, web transaction processing, customer experience and performance.
Folusho Philips, chief executive officer of Phillips Consulting Limited said: “the primary objective of the ratings is to evaluate the effectiveness of websites focusing on the financial, insurance and telecommunications industries, giving consideration to benefits that customers value in an effective website.
“Since last year, we have been reviewing digital communications strategy and medium of most financial services industry and telecommunications industry.
“We have noticed a move away from the traditional desktop and laptop means of accessing sites mobile version with the use of smartphones and tablets. What we have done is to extend Web-Jurist 11.0 to mobile versions. We started the basic evaluation of these websites about six months ago. From August 28 to September 5, 2013 we conducted a comprehensive digital communication evaluation of the sites.
“Normally, Web-Jurist looks at the issues that affect security, this year; we are collaborating with Google Incorporated to talk about how Nigerian businesses can use Big Data to enhance their businesses. Keynote presentations will be made by Mr. Ola Fagbamigbe, programme manager, Enterprise Partner Operations, Google UK Limited as well as Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan, country manager, Google West Africa,” he said.
Philips said key players expected at the event include all the financial services industry operators, telecom companies, Central Bank of Nigeria, government functionaries, National Planning Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, National Bureau of Statistics, etc.
Since its maiden edition in 2001, the Web-Jurist has lived up to its billing by successfully establishing a barometer for rating banks and non-bank financial institutions websites.
Last year, MTN Nigeria, GT Bank Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance and Kakawa Discount House emerged the 2012 Web-Jurist overall best websites in the telecommunications, banking, insurance and discount market segments.
In 2011, UBA won the award best aesthetics, Zenith Bank for best technical aspects and best customer experience, Access Bank for best site content, Oceanic Bank for best financial services.