Pulse Data Named Finalist For Third Consecutive Year.

Twenty-three outstanding New Zealand exporters across a variety of sectors including Pulse Data International have been named as finalists in the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise 2004 Export Awards.

Awards winners in 2002 and 2003, Pulse Data was named as a finalist in the Information and Communications Technology category, the winner to be announced at a gala dinner at the Auckland Town Hall on Friday 23 July.

A world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative technology products for the blind and visually impaired, Pulse Data has increased revenue threefold since 1998, with new products promising exciting future prospects.

International Marketing and Business Development Manager Greg Thompson says the company is the leading provider of personal data assistants for blind people in the English speaking world and is among the top six suppliers in the world of low vision aids.

He says the company has two main product lines, both aimed at giving users greater independence: BrailleNote and SmartView. Total revenue of almost $50 million is almost all generated from exports.

The BrailleNote products are Microsoft Windows CE (compact edition) based personal information management systems that run Pulse Data’s specially developed KeySoft suite of applications software. Designed specifically for people who are blind, the original version was launched in July 2000. Meanwhile Pulse Data's SmartView range of video magnifiers is targeted at people who are severely visually impaired. This range enables users to view enlarged text, images and objects on a display screen.

Mr Thompson says the company has achieved its growth in sales and revenue through a number of strategic moves, including its commitment to product development.

“We are committed to continuously enhancing our products’ capabilities. Since 2002 enhancements to BrailleNote have included KeySync to synchronise PC and BrailleNote email, a media player that allows users to listen to music on demand, electronic books and expanded multi-lingual capabilities. We also enhanced the GPS option for blind users.
 
“Users love the enhancements we’ve added, and over the second half of 2004 we’ll roll out a new series of blindness products and BrailleNote features.”

Pulse Data has also expanded its market presence and is now achieving good results in Asia and the Middle East in addition to its traditional markets of North America and Europe.

The company, which employs about 150 staff, has invested a significant amount in expanding its international operations, including acquisitions and strategic alliances. It has major subsidiaries in the UK, USA, and Australia, and a New Zealand subsidiary responsible for domestic sales.
 
Mr Thompson says the company’s competitive advantages include its reputation as a designer and manufacturer of innovative products, competitive manufacturing capabilities, strong R&D, company-owned distribution and an ability to listen to and respond to users.

“We’ve also built strong strategic relationships with manufacturers of complimentary products. For example, we have recently signed a strategic agreement with the German company Eschenbach, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and providers of very high quality optics. This association will help us increase existing distribution channels internationally and also offers opportunities for shared R&D.”

For further information:
 Greg Thompson
International Marketing & Business Development Manager,
Phone 03 384 4555
email gregt@pulsedata.com