Three Kiwi Start-ups win technology boost

Media Release
29 March 2001

THREE KIWI START-UPS WINS TECHNOLOGY BOOST FROM COMPAQ, CLEAR AND MICROSOFT

The first round of winners in the KiwiStartUp.Net initiative announced today

AUCKLAND, March 29, 2001 - Three winners have been selected in the first round of Compaq, CLEAR and Microsoft's joint initiative to give Kiwi start-ups a technology boost to help them reach their goals.

Launched last November, the KiwiStartUp.Net programme aims to give 12 start-ups per year a free technology package which includes Microsoft e-commerce software, Compaq hardware and a Clear high speed connection. The package is provided free for a period of three months to assist the venture to build a prototype or demonstrate it's e-commerce idea, whilst seeking ongoing funding and support.

Following a detailed review of the first batch of applicants, three new ventures have been accepted as Round One, first quarter recipients of the technology package:

- Traxium, a Christchurch-based venture, focused on the development of a business-to-business exchange to service the freight transportation industry;

- Climate Dynamics, a Wellington/Queenstown-based venture, developing specialised weather forecast applications to be delivered to users via the internet; and

- Nettec, an Auckland-based company which is developing internet-based applications that use positioning data generated from its specialised wireless location technology.

These three ventures will confirm their individual workplans with the KiwiStartUp team, prior to receipt of the technology package in the first week of April.

The first round of the KiwiStartUp programme received a high level of interest, said Todd Irving, Director of e-business at Compaq. "Those that were ultimately successful were the ones that were advanced in both commercial thinking and technical solution.

"The aim of this programme is to help ensure that good e-commerce ideas and skills can be developed for the good of the whole country. The pre-venture capital phase is a difficult one for many companies, not least those in the technology area. We hope these winners now have the technology and therefore the opportunity to develop their ideas further so that they will have something more substantial to win over other investors."

Ian Scherger, Director of Marketing and Online Services at Clear, said he was pleased with the interest and level of expertise shown by the majority of applicants. "There is a great deal of talent in the New Zealand marketplace and that was borne out by the high standard of applications we received. This is only the first round of winners in the KiwiStartUp.Net programme and we look forward to helping many more over the course of the next few years."

Applications are now open for the second round of the KiwiStartUp programme.

KIWISTARTUP.NET OVERVIEW

The KiwiStartUp.Net packages will be tailored to the requirements of each successful applicant, but will include:

- a Compaq High Performance Server, with hosting option at the Compaq Internet Service Centre.

- a CLEAR high-speed internet connection

- Microsoft e-commerce software (Windows 2000, Commerce Server 2000, BizTalk(tm) Server 2000, Exchange Server 2000, SQL Server(tm) 2000, Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000)

- Microsoft's premier Developer Network Subscription (MSDN Universal)

The package will be available to successful applicants for a period of 90 days, after which they can purchase the different elements. Applicants must be new start-ups seeking to pursue an e-Commerce solution. Applications should be made electronically via the web site at www.kiwistartup.net. The application process will include a review of business plans as well as an interview for selected applicants. Successful applicants will be selected during each 90 day period by a panel including representatives from Compaq, CLEAR and Microsoft. The solution must be based on technology from the KiwiStartUp.Net partners.

EDITORIAL CONTACT Pamela Bonney, Public Relations Manager, Compaq Computer NZ Tel: 09-918-9278, E-mail: pamela.bonney@compaq.com

Rochelle Lockley, Communications Manager - Commercial, CLEAR Communications Tel: 09-912-4104, E-mail: rochelle.lockley@clear.co.nz

Carol Leishman, Communications Manager, Microsoft New Zealand Tel: 09 357 5820, E-mail: carolle@microsoft.com

Issued by Consultus NZ Ltd for Compaq Computer NZ

ABOUT COMPA

qCompaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is a leading global provider of technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at www.compaq.co.nz

ABOUT CLEAR

CLEAR's focus on business, its innovation and its state-of-the-art fibre optic digital network set it apart as one of New Zealand's leading communications companies. Its product portfolio includes data, Internet, web hosting, email, network management, call centre, virtual private network, voice and ebusiness services. CLEAR is wholly-owned by BT (British Telecom), a world leader in telecommunications. More information is available on the CLEAR web site at www.clear.co.nz.

ABOUT MICROSOFT

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

© Scoop Media