2010 Winners
2010 Hi-Tech Awards Winners
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Datacom
Datacom is an IT Services firm with over 3,000 employees across New Zealand, Australia and South East Asia and revenues of over $600 million. In 2009, Datacom was ranked in the top 60 New Zealand companies by revenue, staff numbers and profit. Datacom has 45 years of operation and a long and successful history of providing reliable, innovative industry leading IT solutions and services to business and government sectors.
The judges say
The selection of Datacom was completely unanimous. In essence, the judges considered that its size, consistent growth and very significant offshore presence put Datacom in a class of its own. Over many years Datacom's management has thought deeply and carefully about its business model and customers. They’re the largest NZ-owned company in the sector and a revenue and profit machine - demonstrating all-round maturity in its governance, leadership team and internal processes!
TracMap
TracMap develops and exports world-leading GPS-based systems designed to improve productivity and reporting for people operating vehicles in hazardous environments. Developed to ensure the accurate placement of fertiliser and spray on farms, TracMap has since developed systems for aviation, vineyards and companies providing vehicle-based services to councils.
The judges say
In what is always a closely contested category, the judges recognised TracMap as the winner as a result of its real and tangible progress, domination of its market sector and demonstration of export growth - based on its success in New Zealand and very real contribution to the farming sector. The international judges also made comment that it is impressive TracMap is not a "one trick pony." That the company has found other new markets in aviation and utility management. Based upon its results, new business opportunities, and professional management TracMap was a winner.
Unlimited Realities
Unlimited Realities is a software development company focused on delivering products that create exciting user experiences for PCs. This year UR has been nominated for its Fingertapps product, which was the first multi-touch software product commercially available across the globe and is now sold worldwide through Dell Inc.
The judges say
According to the judges Unlimited Realities has clearly developed an innovative approach to the way they develop software which sets them apart from other companies. They demonstrated a very global, realistic and mature understanding of their business in both how they manage their product roadmap and customer relationships. Their position in the market, combined with the full range of current and soon to be released hardware - will position them for great things in the future. Unlimited Realities is leading its field, and their application is on the leading edge of the way we will interact with computers, telephones and entertainment devices.
EROAD
EROAD is led by technology veteran Steven Newman, former CEO/COO of Navman. It was founded by economist Brian Michie to exploit the opportunity to modernise NZ's manual and paper-based road user charge (RUC) regime. Engineered to deliver an end-to-end electronic RUC solution, EROAD's product platform encompasses a secure electronic distance recorder, the Ehubo. It also incorporates a bank grade web-based payment gateway, the Depot, to purchase and manage RUC and monitor vehicle activity.
The judges say
According to the judges, EROAD won because of its total performance against all of the entry criteria. EROAD had the vision of a new marketplace (not simply a new product) - a new technology platform to create that market and an innovative business model to capture AND retain the potential commercial value awarded. The judges also recognise the engineering excellence of the product EROAD has developed; its match to the validated needs of the customer and the completeness of the business model they have built around it. They describe it as a new New Zealand product that aspires to global relevance – delivering innovation at every level.
EROAD
EROAD is dedicated to building an internationally respected technology company in the wireless tolling industry. When EROAD launched its innovative online eRUC (electronic road user charge) service in September 2009, it became the world's first fully wireless tolling service provider. EROAD is in an excellent position to leverage off its local beachhead, as shown by the company's successful participation in a government-sponsored eRUC trial now underway in Sweden.
The judges say
The judge's unanimous winner is EROAD. They were impressed not only with the service as it is today, but its far-reaching potential. EROAD was a clear winner – innovative in both the problem being addressed and the solution being offered. It reduces the administrative burden for existing road user charges but - more importantly - provides a platform for governments internationally to introduce more effective road user charging and fund roads more directly in the future rather than through fuel taxes. Given the nature of the potential market and its players, the judges liked EROAD's plan to achieve market entry and scale.
Compac Sorting Equipment
Compac Sorting Equipment is a leading provider of packing and grading solutions to the horticultural industry around the world. Founded in 1984 by managing director Hamish Kennedy, Compac Sorting Equipment has many JV companies and subsidiaries based in Australasia, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Compac solutions are now widely used for sorting many types of produce in more than 30 countries.
The judges say
Compac Sorting Equipment epitomises all the characteristics the judges were looking for in this category. It is succeeding in a very competitive global market and some of its current technology is achieving things that we could only imagine five years ago - and they are doing it in a harsh production environment. Compac Sorting Equipment is a great example for other NZ manufacturers. The international judges for this category made special comment that apart from the excellent technology, it is the scalability of this business that attracted them the most along with their ability to successfully manage offshore partnerships.
Anu Shrestha
Since joining Vodafone as a radio network design graduate engineer in November 2007, Anu's multi-faceted skillset and inspirational attitude has seen her excel in all aspects of her job. Whether she is producing detailed design specifications for the cellular mobile network or preparing business cases, Anu demonstrates technical knowledge and maturity well above her years. She has also shown a strong sense of corporate responsibility and commitment to others by taking the lead technology role in projects such as Donatelive!
The judges say
Anu Shrestha has achieved wide spread recognition for her work at Vodafone. In her short career to date she has worked across a number of high profile projects galvanising the efforts of more experienced peers and contributing significantly to the successful development of numerous business cases. As one of a team of graduates taken on by Vodafone, it is high praise indeed that she has been identified by senior management as a worthy candidate for this Award and in the judges view is a worthy winner of the Maxnet Hi-Tech Young Achiever award.
Microsoft
Microsoft New Zealand is predominantly a sales and marketing organisation. By being local, it can provide the best solutions and support for its partners and customers. Other business divisions with representation in NZ include MSN and entertainment (Xbox) and devices like keyboards and mice.
The judges say
The judges agonised over trying to split what turned out to be an almost photo-finish in this category. In announcing Microsoft New Zealand as the winner, the judges recognised its employee's personal passion for the manner in which its HR Policies and Best Practice ideas have been developed. They especially liked the strong Kiwi themes to its initiatives and the way input from Microsoft's employees contributed to its policies. Microsoft has invested in systems to improve its culture as a professional and "fun" place to work. Employee surveys showing significant improvement in employee satisfaction and a reduced annual attrition rate. Congratulations Microsoft.
Anthony Doesburg
Anthony is a freelance technology writer. He has been writing about technology for a couple of decades, first for Computerworld, and now for a range of publications including the New Zealand Herald, in which he has a weekly column.
The judges say
According to the judges Anthony Doesburg’s articles demonstrated excellent journalism skills in identifying technology issues critical to business. He not only explained them well but gave strong evidence of how businesses could benefit from the technology solutions. His journalism appeals to a wide business audience, encouraging them to invest in technology to improve their sophistication and productivity.
Greg Cross
Greg carved out an early successful career as an executive, gained offshore experience, spent time in the investment community and has used all that experience to assist NZ companies to grow. He is extremely active in the NZ tech community, in investment, training, governance, strategic planning and exporting. He was formerly MD of Microsoft NZ, director of Advantage Group and chairman of NZTE's Beachheads programme. Greg is currently chairman of The ICEHOUSE, executive chairman at PowerbyProxi, chairman of SLI Systems, and director of Cross Ventures.
The judges say
Over many years, Greg Cross has made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand hi tech sector. He has been involved in the industry all his working life and has a track record as an entrepreneurial CEO driving growth both in revenues and market share. He now uses his experience to work with start ups and SMEs particularly in maximising their international potential. He is also a significant investor in the technology industry. Greg is a member and past chairman of NZTE’s Beachhead Advisory Board and chairman of the ICEHOUSE. He continues to play a significant leadership role in our industry and is indeed an “inspiring individual”.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Hi-Tech
Company of the Year Finalists