QMS Software on the radar

What was your first encounter with technology?

Working as a Systems Engineer at Marconi in the UK on real time radar air defence systems using the then new and semi-portable integrated circuit computers. During the cold war era, it was fun to see if our system could successfully detect incoming Russian bombers and vector a couple of Interceptors to challenge them.

How fond are you of technology?

Generally I am enthusiastic, but having come up the ranks from programming, system analysis, system designer etc. I am more of an advanced user now. I like to keep abreast of the latest technology especially software, and see if it can add to or improve our own software products.

Is there any particular technology that you find indispensable in your working life?

It would have to be the Web and e-mail, it hard to believe now how we ran companies without them. The Web is indispensable for researching new ideas and gaining knowledge. I hardly write any paper-based letters now and rely on e-mail to deal with customers, suppliers and friends. The phone system is still a mainstay for frequent customer contact although I rarely use my mobile for these activities — my old fashioned approach to keeping company bills down I suppose. The other technology is our own software, Ulysses CRM, which we use to run the company and would be lost without it.

Have you ever invested in technology shares?

Yes, I have invested heavily in tech shares over the years and although my paper value may have gone down dramatically during the past eighteen months, I am still ahead in real terms. I have always divided my overall portfolio between hi-tech shares, old style blue chips, property and of course my own company QMS Software. The latter has been an even better investment than property and I got paid as well!!

Is e-business the way forward?

Yes absolutely. It does not change the fundamentals of creating and running a business but it does mean we can do it much more effectively. It allows QMS Software, a small Irish company to have ten distributors selling its software products from Australia to Brazil to Eastern Europe and remain profitable. Now the dotcom boom era has come to a halt, viable and profitable e-business systems have begun to emerge. Every company should evaluate and consider using the e-business methods that will add to and improve their processes.

What are the main hindrances to conducting business online?

Technology awareness, senior manager’s reluctance or resistance to change, and of course cost. The past few years seem to have provided many examples of how online technology has failed. But there have been many successes. Companies are seemingly happy to invest in costly new cars or machinery but reluctant to do so when it comes to on line methods that can raise productivity.  The combination of high costs and lack of availability of broadband lines has also been a major factor.

Will broadband change the way we conduct business in the future?

In many respects yes. While fundamental business principles will not change, we still need to find customers, provide a product or service they want and do it profitably. Using broadband will allow online procedures to happen quickly and naturally and essentially at fixed prices. Any improvement in providing a better customer service is becoming essential. Working from home will become more viable and improve the quality of life for some with respect to sitting in traffic jams or using inadequate public transport services.

What do you think will be the ‘next big thing’?

That is definitely hard to know. Technology is moving so fast in recent years that something now in embryo could be it, within a few years. Currently it seems to be Wireless networks that are spreading like a bushfire and may obviate the failed WAP or the forthcoming 3G networks.