IQ adds another feather to its offshore cap

The IQ Business Group has once again demonstrated that technology developed in SA has applications in the much larger Australian market, with the development of a Web-based medical practitioner directory system, written in DELPHI and ASP, for a large medical association in Australia.

IQ was commissioned to create a solution to roll-out technology to doctors and medical specialists. In addition, a directory service, not unlike the yellow pages, was created.

"The software tool, developed for an Australian-based business associate 24 months ago, has been enhanced to accommodate new extended requirements and is an excellent example of the merit in reusing cleverly designed components. This tool combines technological value with commercial value. It has enormous value to the client, who needed a stable platform in record time to push technology components and applications to its own customer base," says Andr'e Van Biljon, Development Manager for The IQ Business Group.

The new tool features high-level encrypted data communications over the Internet. It can successfully serve as both a deployment tool for any application, as well as control future upgrades of the same applications, without user intervention.

Leveraging off IQ`s intention to deliver 40% of earnings offshore, the project was developed and managed in SA with the added support of the IQ Australia team.

"This afforded the client additional added-value as IQ can develop software at a very competitive rates in SA, using the group`s IP. In this project we drew on IQ`s application distribution IP to develop the software tool," says Van Biljon.

Developing a system 6 000 miles away from the actual site presented some challenges, however some useful logistical and communication lessons were learnt along the way.

"It is not always possible to pick up the phone and talk to the client, and in our experience e-mail was an ineffective alternative form of communication. Instead, we relied on the frequent use of MSN Chats and Net-meeting sessions that not only proved to be very cost-effective, straightforward and useful, but also created a much stronger audit trail of informal communication. Coupled with the odd conference call to maintain personal contact with our client, these methods of communication built a solid and verifiable relationship," says Van Biljon.

In contrast to SA`s strongly managed healthcare system, the Australian government funds about 70% of the healthcare market, while the balance is privately owned.

"However, Australia is repositioning itself towards SA`s approach as its healthcare industry comes under pressure to manage costs, not unlike our own challenges. Consequently, the next step in the application of IQ`s existing solutions in the healthcare market is to implement a total business process re-engineering process, including the execution of our own product with a large player in the Australian private market," says Van Biljon.

"There are excellent opportunities in this space of the Australian market to build on, if you have sound intellectual property and proven methodologies. But make no mistake, the Aussies are very aware of what quality product and service requirements mean."