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THE WORLD`S MOST "USER-FRIENDLY" DOWNLOADABLE PRODUCT SYSTEM FOR THE SME MARKET

A new website plug-in is set to revolutionise the global download market by giving businesses an internet sales portal and document distribution system within minutes. Monkrat is a new e-shop solution launched from the UK to allow any SME to easily sell and supply digital products over the internet.

Monkrat provides a secure and customisable e-shop plug-in which allows over 1.25 billion internet users worldwide to download and distribute digital content. The plug-in is unique, as it gives people the ability to easily set up downloads in under half an hour with simple, non-technical design tools. The plug-in fits into any existing website, and delivers the file safely and securely once payment has been accepted. Monkrat also deal with all the file storage and back-up.

Dan Winters, 34, director of Monkrat, built and developed his company in order to create an easy and quick digital download. "It struck me that any one great article has got the potential to be recognised and sell over and over again," he said. "By using the plug-in, anyone can have the opportunity to globally sell their digital products at an affordable, commission-free price."

With 13 years` leading-edge technical achievements and IT experience, Dan has constantly been pushing industry boundaries forward. He was the innovator of ShootLive digital technology, which enables professional photographers to transfer a large number of images immediately from any major news, entertainment or sporting event.

"After working on ShootLive, I felt it was time to set up on my own," he continued. "It took me and my team of programmers and designers 10 months to complete the software, and I`m very happy with the result as the download possibilities within Monkrat are endless."

Monkrat`s service can be used for anything that can be made into a file and downloaded - books, music, videos, images, documents and software for example. This makes it ideal for musicians, semi-professional bands, photographers and businesses.

"The plug-in can provide a good income stream for SME`s as its white label-able," said Dan. "They can benefit from turning off the payment mechanism and using the plug-in as a document distribution system."

With music sales becoming more and more popular through the internet and download market, musicians and bands such as the Artic Monkeys are turning to their websites to reach a wider audience.

Acoustic guitarist and vocalist, Richie Muir, is Monkrat`s first client. "I hadn`t considered using the web as a sales tool before, but Monkrat has made it really easy as I don`t have to do anything except watch my sales increase!" said Richie.

"I simply upload my tracks and leave the rest to Monkrat, which is great because I can concentrate on my music and not worry about the technical side of accepting payments, or go through the long and expensive process of making CDs." He added: "I`m also really impressed with the professional look of the e-shop design - it`s a cut above what I`ve seen in the past."

To see the Monkrat system in use, visit www.richiemuir.com and click on the "Buy Songs Click Here" link. Alternatively, you can go straight to Richie Muir`s e-shop

For more information about Monkrat or to sign up for a free 14-day trial, log on to www.monkrat.com, call 0845 0041 124 or e-mail dan.winters@monkrat.com for details.

Notes to editors:

FAQ`s

Q: What is an e-shop plug-in?
A: An e-shop plug-in is a tool for an existing internet site that helps open up a brand new revenue scheme.

Q: What sets Monkrat apart from the likes of MySpace and iTunes?
A: They are worlds apart from each other as Monkrat enhances existing websites and there doesn`t need to be any Monkrat branding on the client`s site either. It`s not a community-led portal like MySpace and iTunes - Monkrat is more of a professional tool. MySpace can`t sell anything directly and semi-professionals can`t sell through iTunes easily.

Q: How is Monkrat so cost-effective?
A: No website designer or agency Dan Winters has come across can incorporate an e-shop into an existing website at Monkrat`s price level of £199 per year. It is also far cheaper to sell downloads than it is to sell CDs.

Q: What is included in the price?
A: £199 each year with free setup, online file manager, plug-in editor, license manager, e-commerce and 250MB storage. (Extra add-on cost for further storage: 500MB £5, 1GB £9, 5GB £29, 10GB £49).

Q: How does the system take credit card payments?
A: The client`s website is designed to use PayPal for taking payments, which will be deposited into their required PayPal account. Other payment systems will be added in the near future.

Q: What contract lengths does Monkrat offer?
A: All contracts are 12 months by monthly or yearly payments. A discount may be given for paying the service yearly. However if the client cancels within 14 days of sign-up there will be no cancellation fees. After this a payment of 30% of the yearly amount of the chosen plan will be due.

Q: Are storage upgrades and downgrades available at anytime?
A: Yes. However the 14-day free trial only applies to new accounts so clients will not receive another free trial when upgrading or downgrading accounts.

Q: Do Monkrat take a percentage or cut from download sales?
A: No. 100% of the profit goes to the client. The only other cost is the standard PayPal transaction fees of which Monkrat have no control over.

Q: Can clients keep track of their sales and downloads through their e-shop plug-in?
A: Yes. As soon as a sale has been made, the client will receive an email from Monkrat.

Q: Can clients personalise their e-shop plug-in?
A: The e-shop plug-in is easily customisable and allows the client freedom to make it look and feel how they want it to by using the design editor. No html or web design experience is necessary. The web 2.0 style plug-in is lifted above a standard shopping cart design. It has a more sleek and modern look compared to a standard webstore.

Q: Do clients need to own the files they sell or have a distribution license?
A: Yes. Clients have to have rights to sell any of the files offered using this system.

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