Saturday, 29 December 2007

Pingar is Recruiting


Through January, Pingar is recruiting.

We will be recruiting for positions in both market development and sales orientated functions. Specific recruitment requirements and announcements will be made via this blog through the month.

Make sure you check back for updates.

The Jade Connection



On Wednesday this week, Jacqui and I spent the day with Gill Davidson, my sister, and her family in Yorkshire. Gill is Group Company Secretary of the Skipton Building Society.

The Skipton Building Society is the largest shareholder of Jade Software, a significant software business in Christchurch, New Zealand.

So there we have it. Peter...Gill...Jade. The classic NZ network schema. Two degrees of separation and a connection is made.

The Belated Happy Xmas!


A Happy Christmas - US Style

It's taken time. About a week in fact. And I thought NZ had connectivity issues

Father had none...big sister had none. So tonight I am sitting in Knutsford, Cheshire, with my first broadband connection for a week. And tomorrow I head for the hills. For Portmadog and Snowdonia for the New Year. And no doubt a further search for that allusive Internet connection. Let's just hope that Wales has got it right.

For those not bothered by the detail, a very belated Happy Christmas greeting! I hope normal service resumes soon.

Saturday, 22 December 2007

Lytham Bound


The Windmill on Lytham Green

Tonight, Jacqui and I have a farewell Xmas dinner with friends in London. Tomorrow, we head off to Lytham for the Christmas break.

In days gone by that would have been it for two weeks. Not today. With HBI Software working between Xmas & New Year in Bangalore and various associated commitments, the family will have to get used to me working. And I will have to get used to finding wi-fi.

Lytham is my home town. It will be my first home visit since July 2006. This time tomorrow, I will be there. So I hope is some connectivity!

Friday, 21 December 2007

The Carlton Club


Interior Staircase at the Carlton

Dinner at the Carlton Club tonight with Sir David Mitchell will be special.

Back in the late '70s, early 80's, I played a modest role in the Conservative Party and still remember visiting the Carlton Club on different occasions.

Whilst London might have changed quite a bit in the past few years, some things have not. That I suspect includes 'The Club'. So I guess tonight it will be a gin and tonic in a well-worn Chesterfield. Neither shaken, nor stirred.

Thursday, 20 December 2007

Re-establishing the Network


I met up with Jim Richardson of Baker Tilly yesterday.

I have known Jim for a number of years. He is Company Secretary of HB Internet and has been a source of good advice to me for a long time. We discussed the establishment of Pingar in the UK and ways in which Baker Tilly could assist.

This was always going to be an important meeting on this trip. Getting the structure right will help Pingar's long-term development. This involves getting the right professional advice. Further meetings are planned in January as we begin to build our presence here. It was good to meet up again.

NW6 Revisited


West Hampstead in the Snow

Meeting up with friends in West Hampstead has been great. This was after all, my home for almost 15 years.

It has been interesting to listen to their take on the business environment they now experience in the UK. Without exception, they complain about an increase in compliance costs and the levels of regulation. And they think it will only get worse.

Yet despite the complaints, they all appear to be doing well. I think it comes down partly to the size of the domestic market. Whatever the business pressures, working in a city of 10 million people, and a country of 60 million, provides opportunities that are simply not available in New Zealand.

This is reinforced by the fact that they do not talk about 'export'. I experience exactly the same conversations in the United States. The domestic market is so large, going global is not necessary for most enterprising businesses. How different from NZ. But then that is why I am here. To engage a NZ business in the global market.

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

FRST for Pingar


Part of Pingar's platform development strategy involves working with the University of Waikato Computer Science Department. This Department has a world-class reputation for its knowledge of this area. We are contracting Waikatolink to work alongside our own development team in Bangalore to create complex algorithms that will support different elements of machine learning technology.

So it was great to receive the news that FRST has agreed to provide the Technology for Business Growth grant that Pingar has applied for to part fund this work. For companies engaged in research and development in New Zealand, FRST fulfills a key role. Its grant will enable Pingar to accelerate its development program and deliver a more complete solution in the shortest possible time.

London First


After 18 months, I finally stepped out in London yesterday.

The morning was spent with Michelle Templer, NZ Trade Commissioner to the UK and Ireland at NZ House in Haymarket. Jacqui and John Beer joined me and it was yet another great opportunity to introduce Pingar to NZTE during a market visit.

Of course, the UK is not a new market to me. Having spent the best part of 46 years domiciled in the country, it was more of a return to basics. Yet it is now important as part of the overall engagement strategy that NZTE remain a key focus of our offshore activity.

In the evening, it was dinner with a potential distributor of the Pingar platform to the Chinese language market. We plan to launch a Chinese language version of Pingar at DRUPA in May, so as a follow-up to the recent visit to Hong Kong, it could not have been better timed.

Between these two meetings, we found time to conclude the Pingar Board meeting. A number of key targets have been set and these will now set the tone for our product and market development strategy for the first quarter 2008.

There was time for a final visit of the day - to the 77 Wine Bar in West Hampstead. For some, it is an occasional drop in bar. For the best part of fifteen years however, it fulfilled a much greater role for me. It was here that I first met Jacqui. So time to reflect and time to remember.

Monday, 17 December 2007

The Wyboston Lakes Agenda



Friday saw the first series of meetings for my UK visit.

We held the meetings at Wyboston Lakes, the business park just outside Cambridge. It was my first visit to the facility and I was joined by Jacqui and John Beer as we toured the site. It gave me a chance to catch up with Jan Andrews of East of England International again, together with members of her team. More about that, later in this trip.

It is the type of facility Tauranga could benefit from. As well as providing cost-effective and pretty flexible office accommodation, the on site accommodation blocks, conference facilities and other services created a campus style feel.

Friday also saw the start of the Pingar Board Meeting which we have been planning for some weeks. It was adjourned and will be concluded today in London, following a meeting with NZTE at the New Zealand High Commission. The week ahead has filled up nicely. I will blog on the events as they happen.

Friday, 14 December 2007

Smart-Analytics Embedded into Microsoft Office 2007



Microsoft announced yesterday that Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 1 had been released at least one month ahead of schedule.

Its release means that Smart-Analytics is finally embedded into The Microsoft Office 2007 Suite's research function. It's taken a long time, but finally it has happened.

Well done to everyone associated with the design and build of the Smart-Analytics portal - particularly the development & research teams at HBI Software Pvt Ltd, in Bangalore.

Thursday, 13 December 2007

Kimpton Village


Kimpton Village

Kimpton is a picturesque village in Hertfordshire, just north of London. It is also home to my sister Annie. It is currently 9.25am and the temperature outside is -3c. So I am getting the Xmas build up that I like.

Tomorrow, I have the first of a number of meetings scheduled between now and the festive season. Today though is time to go through emails and time to try and shake off the effects of having flown through 8 time zones in the past 24 hours. Tomorrow, the hard work begins.

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Farewelling Hong Kong


I am leaving Hong Kong for London in four hours time.

The last 48 hours have allowed me to get at least a feel for the opportunity that establishing a presence here will offer Pingar. A key part of that process was assisted by my meeting yesterday with the team at NZTE.

Apart from meeting up with David Wishart, Trade Commissioner Hong Kong & Macau, I had the chance to meet up with Jane Lin, Trade Development Executive (ICT) and Heidi Chan, Investment Manager - Greater China. I learnt a lot about NZTE's own work in the North Asia region. Working out of seven regional offices, the Hong Kong facility is the North Asia regional HQ. And the opportunity for networking and engagement with Pingar are real.

When I return to New Zealand from the UK, I will be stopping off for further meetings with NZTE here. But before then, it is time to get on the Airport Express and prepare for the flight to Heathrow. UK, here I come!

Tuesday, 11 December 2007

HK is KO


Having spent 24 hours now, working my way around Hong Kong and Kowloon, I am impressed. And not just by the scale of development I have seen everywhere.

Speaking to people in business, Hong Kong appears to be a very positive place to work from. Regulation is relatively light, taxes are low and the proximity of mainland China make it an attractive proposition. And even though HK is now part of the Peoples Republic of China, capitalism is the order of the day.

This is epitomised by the view of Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's Chief Executive. The continued boom in China, he says, has aided and abetted Hong Kong's economic surge. By adopting the 'one country, two systems' model, Hong Kong is able to continue to operate as an advanced capitalist state, albeit within the socialist Peoples Republic.

This afternoon, I have my meeting at the NZ High Commission. It will enable me to find out practical support NZTE can offer Pingar in the future. As part of the follow-up process, I will be visiting here again on the return trip to NZ from the UK. On the basis of the feedback in the first 24 hours, I will be back.

Monday, 10 December 2007

HK is OK



The Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong is similar to Tauranga in one respect. They are both home to significant sea ports. Beyond that however, the similarity really ends.

Traveling into Kowloon on the Airport Express this morning, one could only be impressed by the sight of significant, major commercial construction being undertaken. It is the same in Singapore, the same in in Kuala Lumpar and the same in Beijing & Shanghai. Asia is growing fast economically and the signs of this are everywhere.

It makes my meetings here over the next two days particularly relevant. Hong Kong is in many ways still a 'gateway' to China. Chinese engagement here is now 100% and the trade between HK and mainland China has grown expotentially. Pingar has identified China as a key long-term market. My meetings over the next two days will hopefully begin to move that process forward.

Saturday, 8 December 2007

Christmas is coming


A Pohutekawa Tree - The New Zealand Christmas Tree

I can see the Pohutekawa trees coming into bloom across the Bay from the deck. That means one thing. Christmas and summer are both just around the corner.

In one week of course, I will be in the UK. The Pohutekawas will be replaced by oaks and summer will be replaced by winter. The nights will draw in and fires will be the order of the day. To me though, that is Christmas as I know it. It will be good to be back.

Friday, 7 December 2007

Global Engagement


New Zealand - the dot, bottom right

As I prepare to depart NZ, the globe above does emphasis just how far we are based from global markets. Over the past few months, I have been to a number of presentations focused on Export Year 2007. One common thread has emerged from them. That is the need to spend time offshore to engage with and build sustainable overseas relationships.

That is why I prefer the term 'Global Engagement' to 'Export'. It more properly describes the reality of working overseas markets. It describes the whole picture, not just the sales focus.

Over the next few weeks, I intend to blog about my different experiences to help describe this approach to global engagement. It promises to be an exciting period ahead.

Thursday, 6 December 2007

Sub-Prime UK



Until recently, I thought the term 'sub-prime' refered to the chiller wrapped steak I used to buy in UK supermarkets. Recent events in the US have changed all that.

So it is with interest that I return to the UK at a time when the fall-out appears to be spreading quite quickly across the Atlantic. The headlines in the online British media make a number of telling observations. Sterlings 3c decline against the US dollar overnight being just one. House prices are now falling in real terms and growth figures for 2008 are being slashed.

In New Zealand, we have been pretty much sheltered from the worst of the US's sub-prime mortgage market collapse. For how long however can that situation remain? My visit to the UK may indicate a foretaste of what is to come.

Trade Shows 08



As we approach the end of the year, I am beginning to think about the key Trade Shows that Pingar needs to attend in 2008.

The first 'cab off the rank' is FASTForward 08 in Orlando, USA in February. The industry's largest business and technology conference dedicated to search-driven innovation, FASTforward '08 features business tracks that spotlight search technology in a variety of industries including media, entertainment, and communications; retail; advertising; financial services; and government.

Pingar deploys the FAST ESP platform to drive the contextualisation search technology that helps deliver Pingar's dynamic reports. It is appropriate then that FASTForward 08 is the first key Trade Show that I will be attending in '08.

Looking ahead, there are a number of other Trade Shows which I think Pingar should attend. As we roll out our technology across global markets, these events will form a key focus of our market development strategy.

Wednesday, 5 December 2007

Hong Kong Market Visit


David Wishart - NZ Trade Commissioner, Hong Kong & Macau

Overseas market visits have been an important aspect of Pingar's marketing development programme in 2007. My visit to Hong Kong for three days at the beginning of next week is long overdue.

One event I am looking particularly forward to is my meeting with David Wishart (above). I have tried to touch base with local NZTE representatives on all my market visits. They are well-placed to provide advise and guidance on local culture, business etiquette and networks. Without exception, each meeting has enhanced the overall benefit of each visit.

Hong Kong is a particularly important target for us at this time. For Pingar, it is potentially a gateway to China. We have identified a potential partner / distributor and the fit with Pingar looks very good. Next week will provide me with my first opportunity to really engage with and try to understand this opportunity. The meeting with David should help.

Pingar UK Relocation



It seems slightly unreal that in just over one week's time, I will be checking out office accommodation in the UK for Pingar. More particularly, a business park complex outside Cambridge called Wyboston Lakes.

Choosing the right location is a key decision that has to be made on this trip. Fast access to London is important, but so also is access to Pingar's technology partners in the Cambridge area.

We will be hosted on the day by Jan Andrews of East of England International. Having the support of the local Economic Development Agency will help identify and hopefully resolve any relocation issues. Wyboston Lakes is one of several business parks around Cambridge and it will be interesting to compare its facilities with others on offer.

I will blog through the UK trip to outline my take on the opportunities there both for Pingar and other New Zealand-based ICT companies. If global engagement means anything, it is a good place to start.

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

FRST things first



The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) invests in research, science and technology (RS&T) on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

I have been working on a Technology for Business Growth (TBG) Application Form over the past few weeks and finally managed to submit it yesterday. The provision of potential government financial support such as this provides a vital source of funding and support for businesses wishing to exploit the bleeding edge areas of innovation and research.

Together with the new R&D Tax Credit regime which kicks in on April 1st next year, New Zealand is finally getting to grips with the importance and significance of a strong R & D culture to long-term economic development. FRST is a good example of that commitment.

Monday, 3 December 2007

Tauranga Golf


Aerial View of Tauranga Golf Club

Yesterday, I had the chance to swing the clubs with visiting friends from Taranaki. It was a good day.

The weather was warm and it was great to get away from the computer for a few hours. (Doctor, please note!) And my round of 81 equalled my best 18 holes at the Course. I must do it again.

Waiouru Army Museum


Colditz Castle

The news this morning that nine Victoria Cross medals have been stolen in a 'smash and grab' raid from Waiouru Army Museum has shocked New Zealand. And rightly so. The theft insults the whole country.

My attention to it has been focused by a decision recently to donate Jacqui's grandfather's Colditz diaries to Waiouru. Back in 1943, he was incarcerated in the famous castle. Dr Bull was a doctor who provided medical aid to many an allied prisoner at this time. Like the medals, his diaries belong in the museum. They are part of New Zealand's army heritage.

Sunday, 2 December 2007

Securing NZ Funding


Micro-Entrepreneurs - NZ's Start-up Profile?

Brian Gaynor wrote an interesting article in yesterday's Weekend Herald.

Essentially, Gaynor was saying that risk and return are two of the biggest issues faced by investors, particularly in relation to IPO's. His article also highlighted the big difference between the individual and the institutional investor approach to this risk / return ratio in NZ.

Few institutional investors participated in the 42 Below IPO. The same applied to Xero Live. Both companies were effectively start-ups and though both had charismatic entrepreneurs leading them, institutional investors were unmoved. It does pose interesting an interesting question. Is there an investment market for start-ups in New Zealand?

For me, the jury is out.

What both 42 Below and Xero Live had in common was a desire to become global businesses. That costs money, particularly if you are looking at global markets such as the UK or the US. To prove yourself at an NZ level means little. The domestic market is so small, yet it still costs resource to penetrate. The return is unlikely to be sufficient to fund global expansion, so recourse to institutional investors, in whatever form that might be, is still probably inevitable. If resources are limited and the focus is truly global, why not bypass the NZ market entry - other than for perhaps testing the business model - and go straight to the chosen global market. And if that becomes the preferred strategy, why engage with NZ investors nervous about global expansion?

There are exceptions to this analysis, but they are few and far between. It is significant that Investment NZ has representatives in key global regions whose task is to attract local investors to invest in NZ businesses. I have personal experience of this. They play a key, if somewhat discreet role, in New Zealand Government's program of attracting inward investment. I believe they frequently offer more potential to truly globally orientated start-ups than the domestic NZ investment community does.

New Zealand companies desire for offshore capital is often criticised as being a negative for the economy. Without it, and with NZ's weak capital market for start-ups, many could not expand at all. For me, offshore investment remains an important and sometimes an essential option for start-ups in NZ to execute their global plans. Brian Gaynor's article reinforced that view.

Friday, 30 November 2007

Yahoo! Lock into PDF



I was interested to see that Yahoo! has announced plans to integrate online ads into PDF documents.

Yahoo! has reached a deal to start running advertisements in Adobe's PDF document-reading format.

The service will allow publishers to make money by including adverts linked to the content of a PDF document in a panel at the side of the page. The advertisements will not appear if the PDF document is printed.

It is the first time that Adobe has allowed dynamic adverts into its PDF (Portable Document Format) files. Dynamic adverts can be changed for particular audiences or rotated to make sure that a particular user never sees the same advertisement twice. The evolving online ad model rolls on.

Digital Strategy 2.0 Summit



The Digital Strategy 2.0 Summit has been held this week in Auckland. I simply did not have time to attend, but the need and urgency to address New Zealand's woeful broadband performance is real.

Once again, I accessed the Online Telegraph this morning and was confronted by confirmation of this. The Business Page inline video clearly knew where I was from.

'This Player requires a faster connection to enable smooth playback of video.

The connection speed detected will cause a potentially unviewable experience'.


I am signed up to Telecom's Broadband service. Says it all really.

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Investor Pitch


Yesterday afternoon, I attended an investor presentation at ABN Amro Craigs NZ HQ. It is based in Tauranga.

The presentation itself was excellent. It showcased a new software solution, but what interested me were the questions from the investors. Their focus was on the business case and not particularly the technology. They were interested in IP protection, competitor profiling and revenue streams. It was an abject lesson to learn. And it will effect the way I pitch Pingar in similar situations. I might be excited by the technology. Investors though are focused totally on the ROI. Period.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

On-Line Ad Spend Up 23%


The latest report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau puts online advertising spend in NZ at $40 million for the third quarter of 2007 - up 23 per cent on the previous quarter, and brings the total for the first three quarters to $98.6 million.

Display advertising increased by 40 per cent on the second quarter, whilst search and directory spending was up 15.5 per cent. Classified ad spend was up 21.5 over Q2.

It is clear from these statistics, and others offshore, that online advertising continues to grab a larger share of global advertising spend. That is great news since it is core to the Pingar model.

And according to separate research by Outsell, this is not a flash in the pan. Online advertising spend is forecast to continue to grow as advertisers take advantage of new online opportunities. Good time ahead.

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Global Banking?


One interesting observation made at today's International Market Forum related to the reach of New Zealand banks offshore. I did not attend the specific workshop where this issue was raised, but on reflection, the observation mapped my own experience.

When I have enquired before about overseas NZ bank representation, even through correspondent banks, in key global territories, I have drawn a blank. I had no luck in the UAE and Bangalore? - forget about it. I can't even SWIFT NZ dollars into India. I have to convert them first to US dollar's or GBP and then this is converted into INR. Two lots of currency conversion payments on one basic transaction. That really sucks.

It is not a problem I ever had in the UK. But then in NZ, the banks are not locally owned. 90% are owned by Australian banks. Which makes me think. If Aussie really wanted to slow down NZ exports all they would really need to do, would be to.......hmmmmmmm

Tauranga Networks



I have just returned from the International Market Forum organised in Tauranga by NZTE & Export NZ.

As ever, I am amazed at the quality of innovative businesses that operate out of the Bay of Plenty. I blog a lot about global engagement. It is great to have an opportunity to do that on my 'home turf'. If you want inspiration, then the Bay has it.

And the networking continues tonight with the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce farewell party for Jane Nees who leaves as Chief Executive to become a full-time councillor. A large turnout is guaranteed so a second set of business cards is at the ready.

At this morning's 'E-Business' workshop, I talked about the value of the medium as a means of collaborating, communicating and networking. I hope the message got across. The tool might be technology, but the application is '100% Pure' business.

Monday, 26 November 2007

E-Commerce in the USA


Tomorrow, I am leading a workshop called 'E-business: Using the Internet as a Sales Tool'. It is all part of an International Market Forum being organised in Tauranga by NZTE & Export NZ. This focus is on North America.

The timing is appropriate. I noticed a lead story on Yahoo Finance today that is highly relevant to tomorrow's workshop. It is entitled 'Wary Online Retailers Step Up Offers'.

According to the article, with a holiday season that is expected to be the weakest since 2002, and numbers of new online customers leveling off, more Web retailers have been pushing special offers and promotions to draw consumers. "The online community is getting more competitive as the amount of new customers slows," according to Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, an online arm of the National Retail Federation. "Add to that the concerns about the economy, and promotions and sales provide a great way to get people excited."

Silverman said the number of retailers offering free shipping with no conditions, such as a minimum purchase, has jumped to 41.4 percent from 36 percent last year.

It does pose a series of questions at NZ businesses that might be thinking of entering the US e-commerce market. How up-to-speed are they in terms of online market intelligence and how should they respond to the type of commercial pressures that now exist within this online space? Tomorrow's workshop will attempt to address some of these questions.

The Ice Angels



At last week's Entrepreneur's meeting, I had a 10 minute 'speed date' with Mike Murphy of the Ice Angels.

The ICE Angels are a network of private angel investors brought together by The ICEHOUSE to facilitate investment in early stage companies, providing structure to the deal revision process and benefiting from scale economies in sourcing deal flow. That's their words, not mine.....

Now my words. They do a great job at providing qualified 'start-ups' with advice on becoming investment ready and then, in some cases, backing those start-ups with their own money. In NZ, Ice Angels are an important source of 'start-up' funding.

What struck me though was the scale of the Ice Angels funding v the demand from innovative NZ start-ups v the availability of other funding sources in NZ. The comparison was made more acute by a lunch I had had two weeks before in Auckland with Investment NZ and a US-based venture capital lawyer. The contrast was sharp. I think there were perhaps more funding sources in the lawyer's single block in Palo Alto than are available throughout the whole of New Zealand. The contrast was that great.

Ice Angels provide a great model for start up investment. New Zealand needs more angels like them.

Friday, 23 November 2007

A Week in Review


The Office on the Deck. Home again.

I have returned to Tauranga having spent 8 days on the NZ road. It has been a long journey. The flight from Wellington last Sunday gave Jacqui and I just two hours to pack the car to head for Auckland. Since then, it has been non-stop.

On Monday, we met a number of great NZ Entrepreneurs looking to expand globally in Westhaven. Then in the evening, it was off to the British Consul General's offices for a reception for the visiting UK T&I Global Entrepreneur Team.

On Tuesday, we had the chance to sit down with Derek Goodwin and Sheetal Mehta in a one-2-one meeting with the Team. We discussed Pingar's own market entry plans for the UK and how we could engage more directly with the Global Entrepreneur Program. Since Pingar had been given 'Greenlight' status by the Program in February, it was great to have the opportunity to meet face to face in NZ.

Tuesday also gave Jacqui and I the chance to engage with NZTE on one of my pet projects of the moment: Creating an environment which will allow NZ ICT businesses to 'soft land' in the UK to expand their business globally. The response was good, so hopefully that is one more box ticked off and one more opportunity gained.

Wednesday saw another Cocktail Party - this time the British Consul General's pre-Xmas drinks reception. Good nibbles, good wine and good company. It was well deserved after Jacqui's heroic three hour meeting with the accountants in the morning. Talk about engaging with the 'dark side'!

And now it's follow-up time. I think I have more conference calls planned in the next 24 hours than I have had for some weeks. It's good, it's positive and we are back. And so hopefully is this blog.

Saturday, 17 November 2007

Engage UK


Wellington Today. The sun actually shone....

I've blogged before about the need for greater engagement between NZ ICT companies and the UK. I prefer the concept of 'engagement' than the concept of 'export'. It is much more embracing and reflects the reality of working with a global mindset.

On Friday, I had the chance to meet up and discuss this briefly with Rod Drury in Wellington. Apart from doing great things with Xero Live, Rod is a Kiwi software entrepreneur who understands the importance of global engagement. He has been there, done that and is now doing it again.

I am in Auckland on Monday for a couple of days and will be taking up the case for a more formal 'Engage UK' strategy with UK T&I and NZTE. It is important to ensure that key agencies buy into the concept. The drive to make this work however will not come from government. It will and must come from the private sector. I believe that process will happen soon.

Thursday, 15 November 2007

Wellington Bound


Note to Self: Take an umbrella...

I am traveling to Wellington today for the first of several 'interesting' meetings over the next few days. Considerable time and investment has been made over the past few months to make these meetings possible.

More news when I can.

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Spanish Eagle - The Restoration



Ten years ago, my father published his first novel. It was called Spanish Eagle - The Restoration.

It was based on the fate of the Romanov dynasty and the possibility that a relative of Tsar Nicholas 11 had been traced. Could the Russian monarchy rise again and impose itself on a Communist regime that was in a state of collapse?

Fast forward 90 years. I was interested to see that Reuters have published a video based on 'Solving a Royal Mystery'. Sorry guys, dad got their first!

North American Market Forum


Export NZ, NZTE and Tauranga Chamber of Commerce are jointly organising a North American Market Forum on 27th November.

The forum will run multiple workshops catering for Emergent and Established exporter streams.

I have been asked to facilitate the workshop: E-business: Using the Internet as a Sales Tool. Given Pingar's own interest in the North American market, there are a number of other workshops I will try to attend.

I like these focused Forums. They provide a great networking environment for businesses facing common problems. The North American market is massive, but so are many of the challenges. If you operate out of the Bay of Plenty and are looking to export to North America, then this Forum is for you.

Microsoft Exchange Server


Today, we are upgrading our email service in the UK, NZ and India to utilise Microsoft Exchange Server from a single box.

Remote configuration of servers and email accounts in any environment can be complex. Co-ordinating that across multiple time zones creates even more potential pitfalls. The new DNS can take up to 24 hours to propogate across all the Net and support is not yet 24/7.

The new mail boxes have been set up. The next few hours will determine the impact on both the network and the performance of our systems. This is not an exercise I want to repeat any time soon.

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Hunter's in Bangalore

Last Thursday, Jacqui and I took a couple of days off work to coincide with Diwali. It gave us a chance to visit Marlborough and catch up with Jane Hunter, the owner of Hunter's Wines.

Jacqui had met Jane at a Business Women's function in Tauranga a couple of months ago. I have always been partial to the odd tipple myself. I remember well sinking a few glasses or so of Hunter's when we lived back in the UK.

The purpose of Thursday's visit though was slightly more sober. Together with one or two other local wineries, Jane is launching her wines in India. And one of the first stockists will be the Taj Group of hotels in Bangalore. That's good. That's very, very good.

The choice of wines in Bangalore hotels has always been restricted. The potential though has always been there. Overseas guests know it. So does the local taxman and he knows how to add that tarrif.

However, in the interest's of the New Zealand's exports, a bottle of Jane's finest will be ordered when I next visit the Taj Residence. All in the name of patriotism of course. And a decent tipple.

Introducing XPS SaaS


I am constantly asked to describe what Pingar is in plain English and in less than xxxx words.

So for the latest extract from one of John Beer's (my UK-based Pingar partner) more recent technical descriptions of just one Pingar module;

'Pingar’s Microsoft XPS Publishing servers are looking to be the first XPS SaaS document based service where it creates and promotes Microsoft XPS document format online and uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) and UPPM (User Profiling Privacy Management) tools of XPS and Microsoft Live'.

So there we have it. Thanks John.......

The Global Entrepreneur Program


The Global Entrepreneur Programme is an initiative of UK Trade & Investment.

Back in February, Pingar got 'Greenlight' status to join the Program as a 'Technology of Tremendous Potential'. Since then, John Beer has been liaising with the Global Entrepreneur Team in London. Next week, I get my turn.

It is great news that the Global Entrepreneur Team are in Auckland on Monday and Tuesday. It gives me the chance to update them on all things Pingar as well as find out what their plans are for the future. Other NZ companies can take advantage of the services that this initiative offers. I hope they take it.

Introducing FRENZ


FRENZ (Facilitating Research co-operation between Europe and New Zealand) is a joint initiative between the New Zealand Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) and the European Commission (EC) to enhance the engagement of the New Zealand research, science and technology community with the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).

This morning I met Carole Glynn, its Director to discuss FP7 from a New Zealand perspective. It was a great meeting since Carole really understands this space. FRENZ offers a range of support services to NZ organisations wishing to participate in FP7 activities. We will be talking again.

Monday, 12 November 2007

Pingar and The Investment Challenge



The $NZ6 Million Investment Challenge has been organised by UK Trade & Investment and Unlimited Magazine. It offers New Zealand companies an opportunity to expand their business into the UK with the chance to secure $6 million in investment capital.

For more details about the Investment Challenge, you should check it out here.

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Happy Diwali Festival


For Hindus, Diwali (Deepavali) is not only a 'Festival of Lights', it also is a special occasion to worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.

It is a time for worship and it is a time for celebration. In India, it is also a public holiday when family and friends can enjoy this festive period together.

On Thursday and Friday this week, HBI Software will close its offices for the occasion. To everyone in Bangalore and beyond, I wish you all a 'Very Happy Diwali'.

Working with EDAs (UK)


Over the past few weeks, I have been in regular contact with Jan Andrews of East of England International. We have been identifying the opportunity for establishing an office for Pingar in the region.

Over that time, Jan has provided with me with a number of answers to a number of questions. These include IT salaries in the region, the local skill base, the availability of high quality office accommodation etc. The response has been fast, so I have been able to share the information with partners both here in NZ and in the UK.

What this has taught me is that NZ companies can conduct quite serious market-related research from their desktop without having to initially commit to the time and cost of global travel. That comes later. UK Trade & Investment are well represented in NZ and can provide links to local Economic Development Agencies throughout the UK. From my experience of EEI, it is a great place to start.

Tuesday, 6 November 2007

The Melbourne Cup 2007


PostScript: Mahler came third. Jacqui came first - with Efficient in the sweepstake. Yipee!

For a few minutes every November, everything stops in Australia and New Zealand. Today is that day.

The Melbourne Cup is the premier race of the Year 'downunder'. Whilst tens of thousands gather at Fremlington to watch the event live, millions of others watch on TV sets at home, at work or at the local bar. Today, for a time, I will join them. Its the Kiwi thing to do.

And the winner? Check out Mahler and remember you saw it here first!

Monday, 5 November 2007

Outsourcing Means Growth


I had a meeting this morning with a Tauranga-based software development business to discuss Outsourcing. Their business cycle was typical.

Great clients...Increasing potential workload...Desperate recruitment situation...Resource Constraints...No growth.

Their situation sadly is not unique. And it will get worse. Statistics published last week indicated whilst demand for skilled IT professionals was increasing, the number of students taking up computer science in tertiary education was on the decline.

New Zealand is in good company. The growing shortage of highly skilled, well-trained IT professionals is casting its shadow over a number of developed economies. Companies in the US and Europe in particular have addressed this threat by their increasing use of outsourcing / offshoring. It has become standard business practice to outsource some IT and other BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) functions to cost effective centres in countries like India. The logic is simple. They by-pass their domestic skill shortages and become more global in both outlook and presence.

Why then the reluctance to follow a similar path by New Zealand business? To grow in a market that has an unemployment rate of only 3% and an appreciable skill shortage in key technology areas is difficult. Why are not more companies looking to outsource or offshore key IT and back-office functions? After this morning's meeting, one more Tauranga ICT business just now might. It's a beginning.

Sunday, 4 November 2007

Facebook Gets Traction


Microsoft's recent investment in FaceBook values FaceBook at about US$15 billion. Is this realistic?

Anecdotally, I have found myself using FaceBook more recently than any other social network. Others have too. Microsoft's own employees have been using FaceBook long before any investment was discussed. The same applies to the leaders of New Zealand's interactive advertising community. FaceBook would appear to be their 'social network' of choice.

What impact might this have on the wider Internet landscape, particularly on Google? Social networks and search are two separate functions for most users, but will that last? Can search be integrated into social networks in a way that is seamless and adds value to users? I believe it can.

The skirmish that has prompted so much corporate and investment activity in this area can only grow as these platforms consolidate. From my perspective, and with the positive impact for its advertising network under the terms of its share purchase, Microsoft has got a bargain.

Friday, 2 November 2007

Start-up Market Entry


Am I a Hare or a Snail?

Over the past few weeks, I have been working with John Beer to prepare for the commercial launch of Pingar. We have faced the classic start-up dilemma: Timing Market Entry.

Most start-ups natural instinct is to go to market as fast as possible once a commercial product, solution or service can be delivered. It is hard to resist. So much time, money and sweat has normally been expended building the output that the 'Goto' and 'First Mover Advantage' instincts kick in. And then the term 'Cash Burn' takes over. Market share grab is full on.

Perhaps unusually for a start-up, John and I have been around for a long-time with at least 50 years combined experience of the ICT space. I first experienced 'New Media' in 1978 when I left University. Then it was commercial radio! Since then I have seen multiple reiterations of the 'New Media / New Business' model.

And so have the snails.

Market entry is one milestone. Survival and expansion are the second and third. At Pingar, we have resisted the instinct to launch 'yesterday'. We have learnt from the snails.

Away from the platform development, building strong commercial partnerships has been a key focus for us. This has meant negotiating with global players who do not have the agility of a start-up. They can provide different and more compelling market entry opportunities however when the 'Goto' button is pressed.

Have we lost out on short term revenue and market share by taking this approach? Probably. Resisting the instinct to 'bestow our endeavours on a grateful market', has been difficult, particularly since a start-up / established corporate partner relationship is not immediately natural. The drivers behind such a partnership need working out to establish a 'win-win' formula that satisfies both parties roadmaps.

To be honest, we have never really feared the hares. It was always going to be the snails that threatened Milestones 2 @ 3. We think we have got it right. Pingar's launch will deliver its verdict on that assumption.

Thursday, 1 November 2007

Planning for London


Although it is still several weeks before I head off for London, I intend to start planning my diary for the visit today. I have a lot of people to meet.

I know London at that time of year. It is cold, dark, hectic. I cannot wait.

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Search Leads the Way

Outsell 2008 has just been published. In its report, Outsell forecasts steady and moderate growth for the information industry from 2007 to 2010, with performance varying among segments, and predicts that successful companies will be agile and adaptive solutions providers.

The Search, Aggregation & Syndication (SAS) segment of the information industry is projected to surge far ahead of other segments, achieving a 22.7 percent CAGR, hitting $75 billion in revenue by 2010. Online advertising is the engine behind this fast pace of growth, since it's shifting ad dollars from other marketing media, and diverting audiences that used to belong to publishers.

The overriding issue for information-industry execs in the coming year is agility, according to Outsell Chief Analyst Leigh Watson Healy.

"The growth of the SAS segment alone is a powerful demonstration of the fundamental shifts in product creation, distribution, and business models being driven by nimble competitors with 'e-DNA,'" she said.

I really like that line. I will use it a lot. Pingar has e-NDA! Now that's cool.

Pingar Meets Inferno


John Beer is talking to Inferno PR this week, in London to help communicate Pingar's strategic relationship with Microsoft.

In New Zealand, I am working with Julien and Kim at JML Communications to help communicate our complete brand message.

Between us, we are building a compelling Communications and PR platform to take the Pingar platform to the global market. It's exciting times ahead.