AppRiver, LLC, a leading provider of e-mail messaging and Web security solutions, today announced the company was named as a finalist for the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) International Service Excellence Awards in the Small Business category. The awards recognize the importance of exceptional customer service in today's competitive global economy.

"To be named a finalist for the International Service Excellence Awards is an immense honor," said Michael Murdoch, CEO, AppRiver. "We pride ourselves on our unparalleled customer service. It is this dedication that has retained 97 percent of our global customers since AppRiver's inception. Today, we provide more than 40,000 companies with e-mail and Web security solutions."

Judging criteria for the International Service Excellence Awards is based on the very rigorous International Customer Service Standard (ICSS), which was established in 1999 as a benchmark and certification for customer service management systems around the world. It provides a comprehensive and practical framework to assist organizations deliver consistently high levels of service.

"The tremendous effort required to deliver consistently excellent customer service is understood by our very best organizations and it is these examples we seek to highlight as successful role models," said Brett Whitford, Secretary-General of the International Council of Customer Service Organizations. "I am excited by the determination, drive and passion demonstrated by the selected organizations and individuals for service excellence."

AppRiver was founded in 2002 when co-founders Michael Murdoch and Joel Smith, CTO, shared a vision to provide business-grade e-mail and Web security solutions to businesses of all sizes, without the need for software or hardware. To sustain high performance and continue superior business results, AppRiver approaches business with a focus on creating a positive customer experience from first contact to "post-op" support. This unique customer-centric methodology adds great value to AppRiver as it differentiates the company from others in the market. In fact, the AppRiver Phenomenal Customer Care™ model has become a hallmark of the company's success throughout the years.