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The business is busily developing windows applications that can add value and increase productivity and efficiency in the corporate workspace We have developed a new application based on years of experience in banking and other sectors. It is called Brand iT Document Automation, and it allows u... Read more

The business is busily developing windows applications that can add value and increase productivity and efficiency in the corporate workspace We have developed a new application based on years of experience in banking and other sectors. It is called Brand iT Document Automation, and it allows users to control their document branding and content from a single point, and automate the document generation process. The application automatically generates documents, using wizards to prompt users for variable document data and then automatically generates the document with the correct branding. It is also possible to batch generate document based on external data sources and thus potentially completely automate your document needs. This saves time and money in day to day use, while also making rebranding your documents a snap. Use of the wizards, rules being specified by an administrative user, allows quick and easy document creation while still controlling content and tracking creation of all documents in your business. Addition of an application layer between the creator of documents and MS Word allows business logic and intelligence to track and control many aspects of document creation within a business. It also provides statistical information on document creation such as who created the documents, when and with what content. It also allows analysis of the document use within the business by providing metrics on most and least used documents etc.

Core Team Members

My name is Declan Colman. I graduated in 1997 with an honors BSc in Computer Science & Software Engineering from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. I also have a H.Dip in Applied Science (Physics & Computer Science), awarded by the Dublin Institute of Technology. I have been writing high quality professional corporate client server software for approximately 15 years in companies such as ING Barings, Suncorp & Eircom. In the late 1990's I was involved with writing billing software for the telecommunications industry in Ireland, working as a software engineer for a company called Accuris, owned jointly by Eircom, KPN ad Telia.
Upon moving to Australia, I worked in banking for a number of years developing the Autoform document automation software that is now used on every desktop in Suncorp bank. I also spent over a year developing a Front End Dealer System for ING Barings, which produced Swift tickets for Money Market and Forex deals.
For much of the last 5 years I have been developing and supporting a system for tracking delays in the throughput at one of the worlds largest coal ports (GPCL).

Company Vision & Future

I would like to see our new software, Brand iT Document Automation, sold all over the world. I believe it has the potential to have a large volume of sales and I am currently releasing Beta versions in both Australia and Ireland. It's main selling point is that it can save businesses a lot of money, and it's potential market is any desktop with MS Word installed, which provides quite a large playing field.
I feel that the idea itself has a lot of merit, it is based on a real world solution that I have previously implemented, and I would like to see a model which obtains a yearly licence fee, per seat for the application.
I also anticipate requests for customised solutions based on the framework I have developed for fully automated document production, and so would like to expand the consultancy side of the business also.

Current Valuation

This is a difficult one for me to answer. My equipment is worth approximately $20000-$30000. As for the software, it is difficult to assess. I could suggest that Brand iT took 5 months of hard effort, which on a rate of $100 p/h would approximate to $80000, but I have no way currently to value its potential.
I also own the Midas software (copyright & IP) at the GPCL port of Gladstone, which cost perhaps $1-2 million to develop over 5 years, but as for it's intrinsic value I am unsure. It is worth about $100000 in consulting fees per year at the moment.

Exit Opportunity

I would hope to build the client base for Brand iT over a period of three to five years and build up a sizable portfolio of clients.

At that point I believe my preferred option would be to try and sell some or all of my stake to any interested parties.

Ideal Investor

My most pressing need is for a mentor. While I have a lot of experience in developing software, I have practically no experience in selling or marketing a product. As far as business models go, I have been learning as I go along since I founded the business half a year ago.
I would love to have access to experience and advice, as well as expanding my networking capabilities.

DC Software Solutions Activity