Maktoob.com clinches deal with two top newspapers

In a statement, Marwan Ibrahim, Sales Manager of Maktoob, explained that the new development would broaden the profile of the publications among their dedicated readership based all over the world. He also revealed that the company was close to finalising more such deals with other English and Arab publication houses.

"Media organisations worldwide have realised that an online presence is extremely imperative if they have to enhance interactivity with their readers," Ibrahim said. "Asharq Al Awsat and An-Nahar are among the top pan-Arab publications enjoying a high circulation in this region and we are confident that their new e-community feature will help establishing presence of the publications in countries where the print versions are not easily available and therefore increase their reach."

Valued at several thousand dollars, the alliance with Maktoob.com (www.maktoob.com) will introduce the two publications to a world of web-based privileges, including online communications, marketing, branding and e-consultancy. Using these new tools, media organisations can effectively build their own e-communities, allowing groups of people to interact and share information online through cutting-edge interactivity tools.

The e-community members can include readers, customers, employees, distributors, resellers, suppliers, vendors or service providers, who can interact on a one-to-one basis or in groups.

Ibrahim pointed out that the Maktoob Media Programme was conceived in view of the global trend where readers increasingly prefer to access their favourite publication online. "The online presence allows the media organisation to impart vital information to its readers and interact with them at the same time," he pointed out. "The feedback from the readers is important to a media organisation in order to satisfy readership needs and solidify loyalty."

The email facility allows complete English / Arabic functionality regardless of the user's operating system. At the same time, all email communications are automatically scanned for viruses, with both sender and receiver being notified should a virus be detected.

"The incorporation of the new feature in our readership service is considerably expected to increase interaction between our readers and staff and it is encouraging to receive their feedback on various issues from wherever they are based," explained Mohammed Al-Agha, Webmaster at Asharq Al Awsat. "Since we are an organisation that receives too many emails every day, it is necessary that our computers be protected from all harmful viruses that are transmitted through email."

According to the programme, Maktoob.com will also provide the publications with regular e-consultancy services, including marketing the website to its target audience. "We have already proved our expertise in building the most popular Arab online destination in less than two years and now, we are taking that enviable stature to support the business community worldwide," explained Ibrahim.