Empowering SMEs of Sri Lanka: A Strategic Partnership Led by Databox Technologies

With increasing awareness and sensitivity towards digital inclusion, the SME sector in Sri Lanka now stands at the dawn of a tectonic shift. This paradigm shift is enabled through a rewarding partnership between Dialog Enterprise, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Digivation Global Linker, and Databox Technologies. This collaboration will give SMEs cutting-edge digital marketing and e-commerce solutions, fostering a robust ecosystem that will help entrepreneurs thrive within the digital economy.

A New Dawn for SMEs: Unveiling the Partnership

A Memorandum of Understanding sealed the partnership, combining the strengths of each party to innovate a solution on the web – a system called “Commercial Bank LEAP Global Linker.” This platform will allow entrepreneurs to build e-stores, network with other businesses, and engage in local and international trade.

Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, steps forward as the technology partner. Celebrated for its digital innovation across different scales of enterprise, Dialog Enterprise is committed to driving the digital marketing sphere of SMEs in Sri Lanka. Navin Pieris, Group Chief Officer of Dialog Enterprise, said, “We are excited to partner with such innovative, dedicated, and like-minded companies. This solution is representative of our commitment to driving digital transformation and providing SMEs with the technology they need to compete and succeed in today’s digital landscape.”

The Role of Commercial Bank and Digivation Global Linker

One of the key financial institutions, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, plays a major role in market creation and onboarding of entrepreneurs. Their participation ensures that SMEs not only receive business loans but also gain access to an end-to-end digital marketplace. Sivasubramaniam Ganeshan, Assistant General Manager of Personal Banking III / SME at Commercial Bank, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “By creating an end-to-end digital marketplace, we are not only providing loans to business people but also facilitating an empowered ecosystem where SMEs can thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on the entrepreneurial community.”

The task of creating e-stores on this platform is entrusted to Digivation Global Linker, a boutique consulting company. Their expertise ensures that the platform is not only technically robust but also user-friendly, making it easier for SMEs to navigate the digital space. The platform developed by Digivation Global Linker aims to make SME businesses digitally discoverable, thereby enhancing their visibility and reach.

Databox Technologies: The Technological Backbone

At the heart of this partnership is Databox Technologies, the managed service provider responsible for the seamless integration and ongoing technical support of the platform. Databox Technologies has been carefully selected for their proven track record in delivering reliable and innovative technology solutions. Their role involves ensuring the platform’s technical robustness, including payment gateway integration and ongoing technical support, which are critical for the smooth operation of e-stores.

Databox Technologies is known for its strategic growth through partnerships. By collaborating with the right partners, they ensure that their technological solutions are not only effective but also scalable. This approach has positioned Databox Technologies as a trusted technology service provider, capable of supporting the ambitious goals of this partnership.

Current Synergies: The Dialog Edumix LMS Solution

The collaborative spirit of Dialog Enterprise and Databox Technologies is not new. Their existing partnership on the Dialog Edumix Learning Management System (LMS) is a testament to their successful synergy. The Dialog Edumix LMS is designed to provide educational institutes and tuition classes with a comprehensive learning management system, featuring ‘Zero Worries on Data.’ This unique feature allows student’s access to their required educational content without any data cost or limit, making education more accessible and affordable.

Operating on the DigiEdu platform, the Dialog Edumix LMS supports online and hybrid learning environments. It offers a range of features, including DRM-protected video lessons, SMS-based login, online payments, comprehensive student profiles, interactive quizzes, assignments, and extensive reporting. These features benefit educational institutes by providing them with a branded mobile app, web-based LMS solution, physical institute management capabilities, hybrid learning facilitation, and a free student support hotline.

Students and teachers also reap significant benefits, such as cost-effective solutions, data savings, increased engagement, high-resolution content, and streamlined class times. The successful implementation of the Dialog Edumix LMS underscores the potential of the new partnership to deliver similarly impactful solutions for SMEs.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for SMEs

This strategic partnership between Dialog Enterprise, Commercial Bank, Digivation Global Linker, and Databox Technologies marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation journey for SMEs in Sri Lanka. By leveraging their collective expertise, these organizations are poised to offer SMEs a powerful, user-friendly platform that can expand their reach and grow their businesses.

The initiative will provide entrepreneurs with the digital marketing and e-commerce facilities they need to create their own e-stores, connect with each other, and engage in buying and selling both locally and internationally. This network hub is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of SMEs, providing them with the tools and support necessary to thrive in the digital economy.

The future looks promising as SMEs in Sri Lanka prepare to embrace this new digital landscape. With the support of Dialog Enterprise, Commercial Bank, Digivation Global Linker, Databox Technologies will continue to support entrepreneurs by giving access to the resources and expertise they need to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. This partnership is not just about technology; it’s about creating an ecosystem where SMEs can flourish, innovate, and contribute to the economic growth of Sri Lanka.

As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, the collaboration between these industry leaders will serve as a beacon of innovation and progress. Together, they are setting a new standard for what is possible, empowering SMEs to achieve their full potential in the digital age.