Building blocks to successful IT

Martin Jongerius, owner of Infomatica Consulting Inc., is focused on developing IT solutions that make sense. The answers aren't always the same for each business, he says.

"I see myself as a technology broker," says Jongerius. Going to a client's place of business, watching employees, asking questions and identifying pet peeves are part of IT development. IT solutions are only limited by the imagination, he says.

Jongerius graduated from the University of Alberta in 1992 with a degree in computer engineering and worked at EdTel/Telus until 1999. He says he takes the engineer's approach in everything he does.

"The engineering approach is to take all the technology that is developed and apply it to real life." It's much like the image on his business card that depicts building blocks that can be added to complete a structure.

Infomatica strives to be a complete solution provider, either through Jongerius's expertise or by bringing in partners to complete the circle. Speaking a language that customers can relate to is another important element in shattering a conception that IT projects are always late, over budget and don't measure up to expectations, he says.

"Business should always be the driving force, not the other way around," he says, adding that most IT projects go wrong because there's no junction between the technology and the requirements.

It's the same sentiment that motivated the development of a software system that can be adapted to individual needs with add-on modules.

Jongerius plans to launch BizExtend, targeted largely for the small business market, in May. The software will give small businesses access to corporate-style accounting packs that are integrated with the web.

"And I mean truly integrated," says Jongerius, adding the client's web site has a hot link straight to the accounting pack. To start, BizExtend is designed to work with Quickbooks, but he plans to release a Simply Accounting version as well.

The software will enable customers to order goods online and the data integrates with the company accounting package, eliminating or reducing the duplication of data entry. Timesheets, sales and commissions can be entered directly into the database. Product tracking, auto reminders, targeted marketing and online discounts, concepts usually reserved for corporate marketing, will be accessible to smaller companies.

Jongerius says he visualizes BizExtend as the main course, followed by a buffet of add-on modules that are customized to suit each businesses needs.

"The end product is intuitive."