Brennan IT creates $30k customer tech fund

Brennan IT is putting $30,000 on the table for whichever customer can come up with the most innovative idea to transform its business through technology.

The Sydney-headquartered managed service provider has launched the Innovation Lab, a competition challenging customers to think about an innovative business technology solution, with the best idea securing a $30,000 tech fund.

Brennan IT wants customers to focus on business outcomes first, and then lean on IT suppliers to provide technological solutions. “We work closely with all types of midmarket organisations across Australia and one common trait we’re seeing is that IT teams are focused on current IT requirements, rather than looking to the future and thinking more broadly," said Dave Stevens, founder of Brennan IT, which was last year named the inaugural CRN Fast50 Icon.

This was a central theme when Stevens spoke to customers during the recent Buzz Live roadshow, which was supported by CRN's publisher, Nextmedia.

Stevens urged customers to ask their IT service providers what business outcome they want to achieve not necessarily what widget to buy.

Brennan IT marketing communications manager Eileen Racca explained: "That is the purpose of this initiative: asking businesses what they want to achieve, what are the challenges they are experiencing and Brennan IT will design a solution and work with our partners on what to implement."

While the project is supported by two of Brennan IT's key vendors, Microsoft and HP, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the winning solution has to utilise their products. "It is all about the right solution for the customer," said Racca.

The Innovation Lab competition, which is open to Australian businesses with more than 50 seats, closes on 30 June.

“We’re really excited to see what types of entries we receive. This is a great opportunity for Brennan IT to delve deeper into the challenges that mid-market organisations are facing and ensure we as a service provider remain on the front foot in meeting the changing needs of Australian businesses," said Stevens.