This blog has been on a 'go slow' for the past couple of weeks.
Tomorrow marks Financial Year End. That's all I really need to say. Time spent blogging has been time spent instead with all sorts of advisers, investors and people close to Pingar.
I have not had time to talk about April's trips to Hong Kong, the UK and the US. They have been booked and the bags are half packed.
It has all been 31st March and nothing much else. All that changes on Wednesday.
......And that's no April Fool.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Blackpool FC
I have not filed a single post this season on the travails of Blackpool FC. With only a handful of games to go to the end of the season, some readers may think that this personal, overwhelming and all consuming passion has subsided.
Not true.
It is a sad fact, but the first page I access on a Sunday morning is the Seasiders home page on Rivals.net to check the score from Saturday's game. It kind of sets my mood for the day. With 8 games to go to this season's end and despite a host of injuries and a bank balance the size of Noddies, we are still hanging in there. Tonight's game against Southampton is crucial. Win that and I think one more season in the Championship is assured.
Lose it and an anxious wait till May is guaranteed!
Not true.
It is a sad fact, but the first page I access on a Sunday morning is the Seasiders home page on Rivals.net to check the score from Saturday's game. It kind of sets my mood for the day. With 8 games to go to this season's end and despite a host of injuries and a bank balance the size of Noddies, we are still hanging in there. Tonight's game against Southampton is crucial. Win that and I think one more season in the Championship is assured.
Lose it and an anxious wait till May is guaranteed!
....back to Tauranga
That was one heck of a windy road.
Over 1,000 kms covered in just 3 days, with Taupo being thrown into the melting pot at the last minute. It was also an interesting week.
A text from Wellington on Thursday morning said simply, 'Check the Herald'. We did. And we found a good article about Pingar written by Simon Hendery. A flood of emails ensured and I am spending this morning trying to reply to as many as possible.
A conference call with the UK team this morning and a trip back to the UK (sans Jacqui) is now planned for next month. It includes stopovers in Hong Kong on the outbound leg and Redmond on the return. And a further update on the Technium in Wales. I have been asked to join the NZ judging panel for this year's 'Technium Challenge'. Previous winners include two great NZ ICT companies, Xero and TracPlus.
The long and windy road continues on Monday with another trip to the City of Sails, though that is I hope it for a few days. There is more than enough in Tauranga to keep me and the team occupied over the next few days. Until the next journey.
Over 1,000 kms covered in just 3 days, with Taupo being thrown into the melting pot at the last minute. It was also an interesting week.
A text from Wellington on Thursday morning said simply, 'Check the Herald'. We did. And we found a good article about Pingar written by Simon Hendery. A flood of emails ensured and I am spending this morning trying to reply to as many as possible.
A conference call with the UK team this morning and a trip back to the UK (sans Jacqui) is now planned for next month. It includes stopovers in Hong Kong on the outbound leg and Redmond on the return. And a further update on the Technium in Wales. I have been asked to join the NZ judging panel for this year's 'Technium Challenge'. Previous winners include two great NZ ICT companies, Xero and TracPlus.
The long and windy road continues on Monday with another trip to the City of Sails, though that is I hope it for a few days. There is more than enough in Tauranga to keep me and the team occupied over the next few days. Until the next journey.
Monday, 16 March 2009
On the long and windy road.....
This is probably an apt description of life at Pingar at present.
A number of milestones have been set. All it requires now is for their successful execution. That means meetings and more meetings; with partners, suppliers and customers. Not forgetting of course the lawyers and the accountants.
Whilst the technology platform excites, it is the background business grunt that has to be put into place. That's 'the long and windy road'. In New Zealand, over the next few days, it takes in Taranaki, Auckland and Tauranga. In the UK, it traverses between Norfolk, London and Swansea. There appears to be no end to this particular road. Or the meetings.
Today, it included the BOP ICT Cluster Steering Committee. Tonight, it's an NZTE sponsored dinner. And then about 800 kms down that long and windy road before returning to Tauranga on Thursday.
Whilst it normally takes me 3 - 4 days to fully recover from jet lag following a lengthy offshore trip, it normally takes me 2 - 3 weeks to adjust back to my NZ way of life. 3 weeks have now passed since my last trip. I am therefore adjusted.
Taranaki, Auckland and Tauranga, beware.
A number of milestones have been set. All it requires now is for their successful execution. That means meetings and more meetings; with partners, suppliers and customers. Not forgetting of course the lawyers and the accountants.
Whilst the technology platform excites, it is the background business grunt that has to be put into place. That's 'the long and windy road'. In New Zealand, over the next few days, it takes in Taranaki, Auckland and Tauranga. In the UK, it traverses between Norfolk, London and Swansea. There appears to be no end to this particular road. Or the meetings.
Today, it included the BOP ICT Cluster Steering Committee. Tonight, it's an NZTE sponsored dinner. And then about 800 kms down that long and windy road before returning to Tauranga on Thursday.
Whilst it normally takes me 3 - 4 days to fully recover from jet lag following a lengthy offshore trip, it normally takes me 2 - 3 weeks to adjust back to my NZ way of life. 3 weeks have now passed since my last trip. I am therefore adjusted.
Taranaki, Auckland and Tauranga, beware.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Microsoft SharePoint Conference 2009
Back to earth with a bang. No, I did not fall off!
An email overnight arrived containing details of the Microsoft SharePoint Conference 2009. It is slated for October 19 - 22, in Las Vegas. I hope to be there.
I've not blogged too much before about Pingar and the SharePoint potential. Developing an enterprise solution is right up there in terms of Pingar's roadmap and SharePoint is an obvious collaborator. It squares up nicely with our Microsoft engagement and provides a neat 'route to market'.
In July, there is the two day inaugural New Zealand Community SharePoint Conference, to be held in Wellington. Connecting with the NZ SharePoint community is an obvious first step, so I expect to be there to.
I expect to blog more in the future as this strategy evolves. Employees in enterprises often face exactly the same challenges as consumers in the 'Cloud'. Finding data in a fast readable format is as important in business as it is in the 'consumer' world. Addressing this enterprise need, is a key milestone for the team at Pingar.
An email overnight arrived containing details of the Microsoft SharePoint Conference 2009. It is slated for October 19 - 22, in Las Vegas. I hope to be there.
I've not blogged too much before about Pingar and the SharePoint potential. Developing an enterprise solution is right up there in terms of Pingar's roadmap and SharePoint is an obvious collaborator. It squares up nicely with our Microsoft engagement and provides a neat 'route to market'.
In July, there is the two day inaugural New Zealand Community SharePoint Conference, to be held in Wellington. Connecting with the NZ SharePoint community is an obvious first step, so I expect to be there to.
I expect to blog more in the future as this strategy evolves. Employees in enterprises often face exactly the same challenges as consumers in the 'Cloud'. Finding data in a fast readable format is as important in business as it is in the 'consumer' world. Addressing this enterprise need, is a key milestone for the team at Pingar.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Introducing 'Tauranga 2011'
Early days yet (only a few hours actually), but I am delighted to formally announce 'Tauranga 2011'.
The decision to cut the City from New Zealand's 2011 Rugby World Cup plans presents the Western Bay of Plenty with a number of seriously positive marketing opportunities. (And all in the best interests of 'Festival New Zealand', of course)
To understand that, let's consider the following:
1. The world's media will be in NZ for several weeks and their total current focus will be RWC 2011. Let Tauranga and the WBOP provide them with an alternative view of 'sporting' New Zealand.
2. Tens of thousands of overseas visitors will be on our shores. Let Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty provide them with plenty of what we are good at - (We do not have the name 'Plenty' for nothing).
- The 2011 WORLD GAME FISHING TOURNAMENT
- The 2011 WORLD BLOKART CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The 2001 WORLD SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS (p.s. we do not need a clean stadium)
- The 2011 WORLD KAYAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The 2011 WORLD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS
All to run concurrently with the RWC 2011 schedule. And let's be bold. Let's put up NZD 1 million prize money for each event. Maybe 2.
That's opportunity. It actually sounds a bit like Melbourne. Now that really is a long term opportunity. And that's just my first one hour take on Tauranga 2011.
I haven't even considered the cycleway yet.
The decision to cut the City from New Zealand's 2011 Rugby World Cup plans presents the Western Bay of Plenty with a number of seriously positive marketing opportunities. (And all in the best interests of 'Festival New Zealand', of course)
To understand that, let's consider the following:
1. The world's media will be in NZ for several weeks and their total current focus will be RWC 2011. Let Tauranga and the WBOP provide them with an alternative view of 'sporting' New Zealand.
2. Tens of thousands of overseas visitors will be on our shores. Let Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty provide them with plenty of what we are good at - (We do not have the name 'Plenty' for nothing).
- The 2011 WORLD GAME FISHING TOURNAMENT
- The 2011 WORLD BLOKART CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The 2001 WORLD SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS (p.s. we do not need a clean stadium)
- The 2011 WORLD KAYAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The 2011 WORLD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS
All to run concurrently with the RWC 2011 schedule. And let's be bold. Let's put up NZD 1 million prize money for each event. Maybe 2.
That's opportunity. It actually sounds a bit like Melbourne. Now that really is a long term opportunity. And that's just my first one hour take on Tauranga 2011.
I haven't even considered the cycleway yet.
Rugby World Cup 2011 Woe
So Tauranga will not be hosting any rugby during the 2011 Rugby World Cup 'NZ Festival'.
The city is NZ's 5th largest and fastest growing, per capita. Go figure.
This is not however sour grapes. Like the recession-busting cycleway, this demonstrates Kiwi's iconic approach to life. And sport.
Of more concern, my UK readers, is my own hosting plans for the event. Not only will there be no rugby in the Western Bay; England's Pool matches are based in the South Island.
The good news however is that the cycleway should be open in time for the opening game. That's great news. It means you can fly into Tauranga International, we can hire some bikes and peddle like mad between Rotorua and Hamilton to catch Oceania 1 v Africa 1, Wales v Oceania 1 and Fiji v Africa 1.
Or maybe, we can just go fishing.
The city is NZ's 5th largest and fastest growing, per capita. Go figure.
This is not however sour grapes. Like the recession-busting cycleway, this demonstrates Kiwi's iconic approach to life. And sport.
Of more concern, my UK readers, is my own hosting plans for the event. Not only will there be no rugby in the Western Bay; England's Pool matches are based in the South Island.
The good news however is that the cycleway should be open in time for the opening game. That's great news. It means you can fly into Tauranga International, we can hire some bikes and peddle like mad between Rotorua and Hamilton to catch Oceania 1 v Africa 1, Wales v Oceania 1 and Fiji v Africa 1.
Or maybe, we can just go fishing.
CEO Forums
I received an invitation last night from Ken Stevens, Chairman of Export New Zealand, to attend a CEO Forum here in Tauranga on 24th March. It marks the beginning of quite a season of 'CEO' events.
The Tauranga Forum is designed to help New Zealand businesses share their challenges, learn from each other and prepare for a brighter future. It is co-sponsored by NZTE so I expect to see some familiar faces.
As I write this post, Allan Bollard has just announced a 0.5% reduction in the official OCR. That brings NZ rates down to 3%. One more fall maybe later this year, but I suspect this cycle is almost complete. I do not believe further rate cuts will be passed onto consumers or SME's in any meaningful way. So as a Forum, we will need to adjust our focus on other ways to stimulate the economy and our own businesses.
Effective management rather than Government aid should be the mantra of the day. And for the months ahead.
The Tauranga Forum is designed to help New Zealand businesses share their challenges, learn from each other and prepare for a brighter future. It is co-sponsored by NZTE so I expect to see some familiar faces.
As I write this post, Allan Bollard has just announced a 0.5% reduction in the official OCR. That brings NZ rates down to 3%. One more fall maybe later this year, but I suspect this cycle is almost complete. I do not believe further rate cuts will be passed onto consumers or SME's in any meaningful way. So as a Forum, we will need to adjust our focus on other ways to stimulate the economy and our own businesses.
Effective management rather than Government aid should be the mantra of the day. And for the months ahead.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Not that Long!
So it was the Karangahake Gorge for 24 hours. I highly recommend it!
Sadly, my silence over the past three days has not been based on an extended 'Birth Anniversary'. I have been 'on the road', if that's what a couple of days in Auckland is called. It has been a busy time as I have tried to explain to enquiring journalists exactly what Pingar's medium term road map is. The first results of this exercise are now being published.
The same is true in the UK. It has been interesting to compare the comparative take between the two countries. In Wales, the focus has been on the inward investment. In NZ, the focus has been on the positive notion of offshore expansion. Same story, different angle.
Also good has been the coverage of HBI Software in Bangalore over the past 24 hours. Their current work on Acacia has been highlighted as an example of their development prowess. Expect more of that.
That just leaves the small matter of Microsoft Windows 2008 Server and the incompatible hardware RAID disc card. That one can wait until tomorrow. Ahhh...the joys of technology.
Sadly, my silence over the past three days has not been based on an extended 'Birth Anniversary'. I have been 'on the road', if that's what a couple of days in Auckland is called. It has been a busy time as I have tried to explain to enquiring journalists exactly what Pingar's medium term road map is. The first results of this exercise are now being published.
The same is true in the UK. It has been interesting to compare the comparative take between the two countries. In Wales, the focus has been on the inward investment. In NZ, the focus has been on the positive notion of offshore expansion. Same story, different angle.
Also good has been the coverage of HBI Software in Bangalore over the past 24 hours. Their current work on Acacia has been highlighted as an example of their development prowess. Expect more of that.
That just leaves the small matter of Microsoft Windows 2008 Server and the incompatible hardware RAID disc card. That one can wait until tomorrow. Ahhh...the joys of technology.
Friday, 6 March 2009
A Long Weekend
Last night, the 2009 BOP Export Awards Launch exceeded expectation.
It was less the presentations - they were fine. It was more the amazing optimism I found amongst pretty much everyone I spoke to about both the medium and long term opportunity out there. If you could place that optimism in a pill, it should be compulsory for journalists and economic commentators to swallow a couple first thing, every morning. It was that infectious.
Today however, I face a grim reality. It is my impending 'birth anniversary'. The instructions from Jacqui are quite clear. "You stop work at 2.00pm". No negotiation there.
And as I look out of the window, the normally clear Tauranga skies are grey and wet as the next cyclone blows through. It can't be fishing or an afternoon BBQ then .
In just over an hour, I will find out.....
It was less the presentations - they were fine. It was more the amazing optimism I found amongst pretty much everyone I spoke to about both the medium and long term opportunity out there. If you could place that optimism in a pill, it should be compulsory for journalists and economic commentators to swallow a couple first thing, every morning. It was that infectious.
Today however, I face a grim reality. It is my impending 'birth anniversary'. The instructions from Jacqui are quite clear. "You stop work at 2.00pm". No negotiation there.
And as I look out of the window, the normally clear Tauranga skies are grey and wet as the next cyclone blows through. It can't be fishing or an afternoon BBQ then .
In just over an hour, I will find out.....
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
BOP Export Awards 2009
In my last posting, I talked about NZTE and Pingar.
I expressed the view that despite the current global challenges, I remain optimistic about NZ companies ability to successfully engage and expand into offshore markets.
Tomorrow night, Jacqui and I are attending the launch of the BOP Export Awards 2009 at the Sebel, here in Tauranga. It is a sell-out.
Some sectors might be under pressure, but it is easy to ignore the positive noises coming from many of our local export-orientated businesses. They will help lead NZ out of the current downturn.
This blog and the previous posting are very much related.
NZTE Support
Pingar has enjoyed a great relationship with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise since inception. In today's market, it makes a real difference.
For regular readers, this blog has always been pretty optimistic about NZ companies opportunity for offshore engagement. It still is.
Yet, having just returned from several weeks in the UK, it would be negligent not to recognise the special challenges that we face at present. Whilst economists focus on the benefit of a lower NZD for export return, the contrary argument applies when looking at offshore market set-up. A declining NZD can make offshore market entry much more expensive. Twelve months ago, NZD 1 stood at USD 80c. Today NZD 1 buys USD 49c. Go figure. Market entry costs to the USA have increased by 40% in one year.
NZTE support Pingar in different ways. They provide critical Market Development funding to support some of our offshore market entry strategy. They also provide valuable network support; both in NZ and in our global markets.
As we refine our offshore market strategy, the support of NZTE really is making a difference.
For other NZ businesses looking at offshore expansion, I cannot underestimate the value of this relationship. Check out the NZTE Portal for more details.
For regular readers, this blog has always been pretty optimistic about NZ companies opportunity for offshore engagement. It still is.
Yet, having just returned from several weeks in the UK, it would be negligent not to recognise the special challenges that we face at present. Whilst economists focus on the benefit of a lower NZD for export return, the contrary argument applies when looking at offshore market set-up. A declining NZD can make offshore market entry much more expensive. Twelve months ago, NZD 1 stood at USD 80c. Today NZD 1 buys USD 49c. Go figure. Market entry costs to the USA have increased by 40% in one year.
NZTE support Pingar in different ways. They provide critical Market Development funding to support some of our offshore market entry strategy. They also provide valuable network support; both in NZ and in our global markets.
As we refine our offshore market strategy, the support of NZTE really is making a difference.
For other NZ businesses looking at offshore expansion, I cannot underestimate the value of this relationship. Check out the NZTE Portal for more details.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Content Aggregators Faring Well
An interesting article in today's Wall Street Journal.
'While many media businesses are stalling, a small group of online publishers appears to be bucking the trend.
Several start-up Web sites such as SB Nation, Seeking Alpha Ltd. and HealthCentral Network Inc., which create and aggregate content about topics like sports, business and health, are recording sharp gains in visitors and revenue. They are outpacing other sites on similar topics through business models that allow them to create niche content. Many also are landing distribution partnerships with big media brands eager for content during the recession'.
Interesting. Very interesting........
'While many media businesses are stalling, a small group of online publishers appears to be bucking the trend.
Several start-up Web sites such as SB Nation, Seeking Alpha Ltd. and HealthCentral Network Inc., which create and aggregate content about topics like sports, business and health, are recording sharp gains in visitors and revenue. They are outpacing other sites on similar topics through business models that allow them to create niche content. Many also are landing distribution partnerships with big media brands eager for content during the recession'.
Interesting. Very interesting........
Monday, 2 March 2009
Microsoft Azure
I have blogged before about Microsoft Azure. It sounded good when I first heard about it. It has just got better.
An email from John in the UK confirms that we are now part of the Program. This has really significant benefits and closes off an important part of our platform planning.
In fact, our partner strategy with Microsoft is getting stronger; period. Pingar has also been invited to join the Microsoft Metro Program in the past couple of days. This is an Early Adopter Program. Since the invitation comes from the UK ISV Developer Evangelist Team, I need to check the availability of the Program in NZ. It looks good.
And then there's the SharePoint Conference in Wellington, early July that I have been plugged into. This has particular resonance at present. More about that later.
In the meantime, the Plan looks almost complete. Needless to say, the 150 ml of rain that fell on Saturday has cleared and being a Monday, the weather is hot and sunny. Just 4 mare days to go then to unleash the power of Sea Horse on those unsuspecting snapper in the Bay...
Frying pan at the ready.
An email from John in the UK confirms that we are now part of the Program. This has really significant benefits and closes off an important part of our platform planning.
In fact, our partner strategy with Microsoft is getting stronger; period. Pingar has also been invited to join the Microsoft Metro Program in the past couple of days. This is an Early Adopter Program. Since the invitation comes from the UK ISV Developer Evangelist Team, I need to check the availability of the Program in NZ. It looks good.
And then there's the SharePoint Conference in Wellington, early July that I have been plugged into. This has particular resonance at present. More about that later.
In the meantime, the Plan looks almost complete. Needless to say, the 150 ml of rain that fell on Saturday has cleared and being a Monday, the weather is hot and sunny. Just 4 mare days to go then to unleash the power of Sea Horse on those unsuspecting snapper in the Bay...
Frying pan at the ready.
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