While tracking and platform useability have made modest improvements over the past ten years, standardised technology and packaged solutions like those offered by networks Commission Junction, Trade Doubler and DGM still prevail throughout most of the industry. Whilst these platforms provide basic functionality for advertisers and publishers, they offer little in the way of flexibility. That is until now.

CEO of performance marketing group Viva9 Shane Murray, believes that the affiliate industry in the UK and Europe is so competitive - with increasing pressure on revenues and margins - that network businesses must do more to get ahead.

Viva9, part of the Bluefreeway Group (ASX:BLU), with over 25 offices globally, are set to storm into the UK market next month with the launch of Commission Monster Solutions and affiliate network. Their platform promises best-of-breed technology and more power to those that use it - both the advertisers and publishers.

With full control over creative elements, campaign timeframes, traffic targeting and commission structuring, Commission Monster Solutions puts the advertiser firmly in the driver's seat of their campaign. What's more; it's free.

Commission Monster will provide its fully flexible solution to advertisers and affiliates totally free of network sales commissions.

Murray explains the rationale behind his company's move as 'a much needed shake-up for the affiliate industry'.

'While the industry continues to experience record growth here in the UK, the technology used by most of the larger networks has failed to keep abreast of the changing needs of advertisers and publishers.

'In the early days an out-of-the-box platform was sufficient, given the relatively small budgets advertisers allocated to affiliate marketing. Now, it's a serious business, worth over 3 billion pounds annually. Advertisers require solutions tailored to their specific needs, and that's what we're offering here'.

Set to go live next month, Commission Monster UK has already recruited many of the big brand e-tailers, as well as several hundred of the UK's leading publishers, undoubtedly lured by the prospect of paying zero network commissions. But Murray believes his company's unique pricing point isn't enough.

'Zero commissions is a big part of our model. It's what allows us to make a big impact in an already mature industry. But it's not everything. Our "secret sauce" lies in the technology we provide - a fully flexible, solutions-based platform. That's what will keep our customers satisfied and allow us to build strong and lasting relationships in this marketplace.'

For more information on Commission Monster UK, visit www.commissionmonster.co.uk.        

About Viva9
Viva9.com delivers performance-based enterprise management systems to advertising agencies, marketing communications companies, public relations agencies and other large corporate advertisers with offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Lima, Quito, Monterrey , Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo, New York and part of the Bluefreeway Group.

Viva9's performance-based solutions allow customers to achieve their potential through multiple online marketing channels, including affiliate marketing, display advertising, lead generation, eDM and network shopping.