Today we showcase an exciting and successful venture founded by, Tim Moreillon from, Geelong, Australia, NetDefence.In a recent email-based interview with Tim, he gave insights into his venture and how he is progressing with it. This is what he has to say:
• Please tell us about yourself, your background and interests?
Out of school, I worked in the car industry for 8 years, doing everything from sales to IT to administration to compliance to management. I felt like a change after this and decided to focus my attention on the Information technology field.
My interests include music, cars, photography and of course, technology!
• Please tell us about your venture/company?
NetDefence helps businesses protect themselves from technology threats. We go out to the market and find the best-of-breed solutions for our clients and ensure they and their staff can use the Internet and be shielded from malicious threats, scams and fraud.
We also help businesses meet their compliance needs. As legal responsibilities for e-discovery and employee safety increase, NetDefence can help businesses ensure they have these areas covered.
• Who are the people behind this and how it started?
NetDefence was started by Kelvin Benson and Tim Moreillon. We have been working on developing the business and identifying the products that suit our clients since January 2008.
• How long it took before it was up and running?
We spent 6 months researching security solutions and planning. We tested many solutions and came up with the best for our clients.
• What is the main objective/mission behind your venture?
As small to medium businesses have not traditionally had the resources to adequately manage their IT systems, we aim to assist them by managing this responsibility on their behalf. We aim to remove the fear around technology and give 'big business' tools to small businesses.
• What services does it provide for consumers or customers?
NetDefence provides managed online solutions to take care of technology threats and compliance. We assist businesses in understanding technology threats and their responsibilities towards them. We aim to educate people and help them see technology as a positive, rather than a burden.
• What type of customers you are targeting?
Mostly small to medium business, although we have some larger clients too.
• How many people are using your services?
The solutions we provide are used by thousands of people worldwide and have been used in production for over 7 years now.
• What sort of marketing you are using to spread the word?
We find word of mouth to be the most successful form of marketing for us. We maintain our website at www.netdefence.com.au and have offered seminars discussing Security. We have also utilised direct mail pieces and personalised letters.
• What are the main technologies used behind this venture?
We use and recommend Managed Online Solutions. This is our term for what is generally known ad Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or Cloud Computing. All functions of a program are hosted and managed online and don't require investment in hardware or software. These solutions mean lower cost, better reliability and easier management for end users.
• What is your operating environment (operating system) and what type of database you are using?
As we promote SaaS or Cloud Computing solutions we use them exclusively. We use Salesforce.com.au as a customer CRM and Google Apps for email, calendar and document creation. Due to the online nature of our business, we can operate on any OS.
• What's your thought on being an entrepreneur? How tough it is to start a venture in Australia?
Starting a business in Australia at the moment can be tough, especially with the downturn in the world economy. However, if new businesses are smart with their overheads and are confident in their product then there is a big opportunity out there!
• How often do you catch up with others trying similar things and where do you catch up? Do you have dedicated communities in your city?
I like to attend business groups in Geelong and Melbourne to speak with other business people and see how they go about things and to learn from them. There are several technology meet-ups I like to go to each month as well.
• Do you have any advice for people who want to start their venture?
Don't be afraid to try! If you try something and it doesn't work, learn from it, refocus and try another again!
Thanks, Tim for sharing your thoughts with us. All the best for the future.
For coverage on other Australian startups, innovation, and tech trends check this out our coverage on interviews can be found here
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