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Pulse Data International: ICT Exporter of the Year
Pulse Data International was named New Zealand’s Information, Communications and Technology Exporter of the Year
at the 2004 New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Export Awards gala dinner.
Pulse Data International outperformed three other finalists to take top honours,
for the second consecutive year, in the ICT category. The finalists were telecommunications software firm Argent Networks, a company that is achieving big success in some of the world’s hot spots; Endace Measurement Systems, a company that has established itself as the world’s leading supplier of computer network intelligence technology; and iTouch Business Mobility, a Christchurch company at the forefront of the wireless technology industry.
The Export Awards’ judges said Pulse Data International took a very international approach to marketing and stood out as a clear winner in its category.
“The relationships the company has built in foreign markets are going from strength to strength. Over the last eight months it has continued to show strong export success and moved into a new phase of maturity with strategic alliances being formed and new distribution partners established.
Its systems enhance innovation opportunities and minimise investment risk for the business.”
Pulse Data International Marketing & Business Development Manager Greg Thompson says the company is the leading provider of personal data assistants for the blind in the English speaking world and is among the top six suppliers in the world of low vision aids.
He says the company, which has increased revenue threefold since 1998, has two main product lines, both aimed at giving users greater independence: BrailleNote and SmartView. Total annual revenue of almost $50 million is almost all generated from exports.
The BrailleNote products are Microsoft Windows CE 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. 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 which allows users to listen to music on demand, electronic books and expanded multi-lingual capabilities. We also enhanced the GPS option for blind users.”
Pulse Data International employs about 150 people in New Zealand and around the world, investing a significant amount in expanding its international operations, including acquisitions and strategic alliances.
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.
For more information
Greg Thompson, International Marketing & Business Development Manager, Pulse Data International, phone 03 384 4555, mobile 021 528 003, email gregt@pulsedata.com, www.pulsedata.com
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