Sacred Heart University - Synthenet Corporation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Synthenet Designs and Develops New Sacred Heart University Web Site

NORTHBOROUGH, MA March 2006 - Synthenet Corporation, a full service web development firm, announced completion of the development and design of the Sacred Heart University web site (www.sacredheart.edu). Sacred Heart, located in Fairfield CT, is the second-largest Catholic University in New England.

"With Synthenet's development expertise, innovative designs and user-friendly Online Management System, we were able to redesign our entire 3000+ page website into one with a fresh new unified look, feel and consistent navigation - no small feat for a university website!” said Nancy Boudreau, Director of Web Content Management at Sacred Heart University.

Synthenet Corporation developed the Sacred Heart web site in their Online Management System; a powerful, yet easy-to-use tool that allows approximately 150 faculty and staff members at Sacred Heart to manage their own content on the web site without any knowledge of HTML. Sacred Heart's Online Management System is comprised of several key Modules including; Content Module, Forms Module and Messaging Module.

The Content Module gives Sacred Heart the ability to manage pages and content, documents and images; updating the site at any time, all in one central administration area. Previously SHU had 150 sub-domains (satellite web sites) that were not consistent in design and very difficult to keep up-to-date. Today, all of these sites are combined into one 3000+ page web site and managed within Synthenet's Online Management System. “The system is so easy to use. After only a couple of hours of training, we were able to start making edits and create new pages immediately." stated Nancy Boudreau, Sacred Heart University's Director of Web Content Management.

Using the Online Management System's Forms Module, Sacred Heart has the ability to capture critical information from both potential and current students. Since the launch of the SHU web site in September of 2005, there has been a dramatic increase (70% over the previous year) in submissions of online inquiries and online Admission Applications.

The Messaging Module allows Sacred Heart to create targeted broadcast email messages to a number of audiences: current students, prospective students, alumni, parents and faculty. Detailed click-through statistics are provided for each communication, enabling Sacred Heart to perform extensive marketing analyses.

Synthenet Corporation worked closely with Keating Associates, Sacred Heart's longtime marketing advisor, to design a visual interface to meet the needs of the University's diverse audiences. The web site prominently features a distinctive Interactive Tour called “The SHU Experience”; specifically targeted to prospective students. “The SHU Experience” includes information helpful to students and parents considering enrollment at Sacred Heart, such as “Face 2 Face” Student Videos, Campus Maps, Visitor Information and Questions & Answers from the Admissions Department; all contained in a cutting-edge design.

Sacred Heart's web site is now reflective of their Mission and the professionalism of the University. The innovative new site design caters to all audiences in ease of use and depth of information and presents Sacred Heart as the sought-after educational institution it is.

“The Sacred Heart project is the result of a strong partnership between the University, Synthenet Corporation and Keating Associates. This partnership began with the development of the web site, but will continue over the course of three years to ensure that Sacred Heart is maximizing this important medium for recruitment, development and relations with key constituents.” said David Crouch, Synthenet's Director of Business Development.

In addition to the design and development of web sites, Synthenet also conducts testing of the site prior to launch, trains staff members in maintenance of their web site using the Online Management System and provides ongoing support for and enhancements to the application.

About Synthenet Corporation:
Synthenet has developed over 170 business solutions, bringing to each the core philosophy that with the proper methodology, technology can be instrumental in furthering an organization's business objectives. The integration of Synthenet Corporation's Online Management System or a custom, web-based application can vastly improve business processes and increase an organization's overall efficiency. Synthenet Corporation has extensive experience with ColdFusion, HTML, DHTML, FLASH, Java, XML, JavaScript, and other client scripting languages.

Clients include:
Church Hill Classics (www.diplomaframe.com)
Jessica's Biscuit (www.ecookbooks.com)
Pongo Software (www.pongoresume.com)
Retailers Association of Massachusetts (www.retailersma.org)
The School for Field Studies (www.fieldstudies.org)
The Trustees of Reservations (www.thetrustees.org)
Working Advantage (www.workingadvantage.com)

Contact:
Rodney Capron, Jr.
Synthenet Corporation
367 West Main Street
Northborough, MA 01532
(508) 393-1820
www.synthenet.com