Pulse Data Awarded ICT Exporter of the Year

Pulse Data International, the Christchurch based company that designs and manufactures products for people who are blind and visually impaired, was announced New Zealand’s Information, Communications and Technology Exporter of the Year.

The award was presented at the Trade New Zealand Export Awards dinner held in  Christchurch on June 12. The judges said through a highly innovative approach to meeting the needs of blind and partially-sighted people, Pulse Data International had established a strong presence in key world markets.

“Its ability to maintain its leadership when using an industry-standard software platform, Windows, is testament to its innovation. A strong focus on the future is reflected through its ability to restructure and adjust its strategic planning process to stay in tune with changing market and environmental conditions.”

International Marketing & Business Development Manager Greg Thompson says the company has two main product lines, both aimed at giving users greater independence.

The BrailleNote family of products are Microsoft Windows CE-based personal information management systems designed specifically for people who are blind. The SmartView range of video magnifiers are targeted at people who are severely visually impaired. This range enables users to view enlarged text, images and objects on a display screen.

Designed and manufactured in Christchurch, 96% of Pulse Data’s products are exported to more than 30 countries. Mr Thompson says annual export earnings have increased by five times in the past five years to $50 million.

“Export growth has largely been driven by the success of our BrailleNote product which, since its launch in July 2000, has seen us capture an amazing 65% share of the US market for Braille and speech notetakers.”

The BrailleNote is designed to help blind people reach their potential, particularly in education and business. Features include a word processor, email, a planner, a web browser that provides users with portable internet access, and a book reader.

Mr Thompson says upgrades of the BrailleNote are ongoing. The first phase of GPS (global positioning systems) has been incorporated, enabling the user to define points of interest – for example landmarks between work and home – which the BrailleNote will identify when they are getting near to them. Phase two GPS, using maps, will tell people who are blind where they are and how close they are to where they want to be. It will also tell them when to turn left and right and what street to go down.

Mr Thompson says Pulse Data International has invested significantly in expanding its international operations in the past year, with acquisitions and restructuring a major focus.

About Pulse Data

Formed in 1988, Pulse Data now exports approximately 98% of its products worldwide to more than 30 countries. Sales offices have been established in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East

For more information:

Pulse Data International, Greg Thompson, International Marketing & Business Development Manager, phone 03 384 4555, email gregt@pulsedata.com