In times when headlines speak of global downturns, it’s pleasing to release a quality product to the world. the software smarts Most of us know that Asia’s monopoly in the IT game is nearly impossible to fathom let alone break, yet a Bendigo company is proving it’s got the software smarts to crack the code. It may have taken years of dialogue, development, hard work and head-to-head deliberation, but local information technology firm Bendigo IT has launched a new product that’s set for success. In partnership with digital giant Ricoh Asia Pacific, Bendigo IT has designed leading edge software ‘Ricoh EZ Charger’ that now sits at the core of sophisticated multi-function printer user systems. The release of this highly innovative product is a pivotal move for a local business that’s been providing information technology services to regional Victoria since 1979. Formerly Scientific Business Software Systems and established by Ian Gillard and Marie Denham, Bendigo IT has worked with a diverse clientele in Australia and abroad, yet it was a link to the Australian division of Lanier that sowed the seed to sprout this strain of software. According to Bendigo IT CEO Andrew Trewartha, who came onboard as a software consultant in 1994, this latest breakthrough is a culmination of two hard yakka years. “Since that first approach by Ricoh, we’ve been in daily contact with their Singapore office.” He says his company’s high level of collaboration has been the key that’s opened the door to success. “We have such good communication with Ricoh and they have put an enormous amount of energy into this project.” As a fully branded Ricoh product, distributed throughout South-East Asia with initial circulation across ten countries now sitting snug in its professional portfolio, this 100 per cent Bendigo business is keeping its eye on the horizon. “After rigorous testing procedures our software is in the marketplace, we’re really excited and because of this product I believe we will forge a truly outstanding partnership.” The know-how to provide a seamless solution that’s now part of the internal workings of Ricoh devices is clearly the result of Bendigo IT’s leading edge advancements. For instance, during the past 15 years Bendigo IT has developed and marketed Gaia software, aimed at the educational sector for use in print management environments. “This technology is a winner for organisations. We were determined to design innovative software to reduce the use of consumable items associated with printers, copiers and Internet access. We did this with Gaia. And that’s what we do best, we innovate.” “This Ricoh development accounts for roughly a quarter of our total operation, a service that offers a diverse range of customised software to Australian and international clients,” the CEO adds. “But now, in times where headlines speak of global downturns, it’s pleasing to be able to produce and release a quality product of this nature to the world, especially one that’s been conceived right here in central Victoria.” ■ 46
Andrew Trewartha has helped break into the world’s IT capital.