Melbourne MSP Blue Apache toasts 20 years in business

Melbourne-headquartered MSP Blue Apache toasted turning 20 during a gala dinner at Melbourne's Plaza Ballroom earlier this month, with staff, partners and friends enjoying a night of food and entertainment.

Founder and managing director Chris Marshall addressed attendees with a welcome speech touching on some of the company's history, including his early days of selling Linux servers.

"Unheard of in its time, I started marketing Red Hat Linux powered servers supporting web, email and file sharing, bundled with 56k internet connectivity, domain name registration and server management all for one low monthly fee," he told guests. 

"I'm sorry to say this wasn’t hugely successful with less than half a dozen customers taking up the offer. The world wasn’t ready for my vision of ITaaS."

Pictured: Chris Marshall

Following its foundation in 1998, Blue Apache secured early clients through a traditional IT reselling and servicing business.

Marshall, however, remained focused on operating a better model.

"In late 2001 Blue Apache secured our very first managed services customer, these services were still known as facilities management back then. RMS Transport Solutions signed on and very quickly grew through the acquisition of AUSDOCs 3PL business with Blue Apache remaining the partner of choice," he said.

With the help of early business partner James Hendry and Grant Fallace joining the fold later, Blue Apache grew to bigger and better things.

"By 2003 Blue Apache had developed our emPOWER brand and our facilities management services became known as emPOWER managed services," Marshall told the audience.

"It took another seven years to realise the vision of IT as a service, but in 2010 with our consistent vision of being accountable for customer application delivery from the desktop to the datacentre, Blue Apache built our emPOWER Network and the emPOWER Cloud." 

Pictured: Blue Apache commercial general manager James Hendry and Chris Marshall

"Since 2010 Blue Apache has continued to build across our IT as a Service portfolio, which now contributes to over two thirds of our revenue. In 2017 we launched our US presence and we are currently building out our infrastructure stack in London," Marshall said.

"Today we have over 110 Blue Apacheans working around the clock and around the globe delivering business-critical IT and telecommunications services." 

Marshall took the opportunity to thank Blue Apache's staff, supporters and customers of the company, past and present. 

"Whether you have been working with us for 20 years, 20 months or 20 days you are now part of the Blue Apache story. And whilst we have had an exciting past, it wont compare to where we are going together," Marshall said.

Pictured: Chris Marshall blows out the Blue Apache cake, a replica of the Compaq Deskpro EN small form factor with Sony monitor that Blue Apache was founded with.

Comedian Vince Sorrenti was MC for the proceedings.

Guests in the grand ballroom

Ventriloquist Dean Atkinson provided laughs...

...With Marshall playing a key role in the routine.

Other entertainment included a 13 piece rock and blues band called Big and Horny

Guests arrive at the venue...

...Where welcome treats awaited them inside.