Client wins elevate Melbourne ISV into Google channel

A new Google and Xero reseller in Melbourne is making waves in the construction industry, signing up the likes of elevator maker Kone and contract mining company Thiess as customers in its first year in the market.

Vertical Matters, founded by civil construction veteran Marcus van Enk and transport compliance guru Courtney Smith, specialises in helping customers switch from paper- and server-based processes to software-as-a-service.

After a research and development phase in 2011 and 2012, Vertical Matters went to market in late 2013, with Kone, the Finnish giant elevator manufacturer, becoming one of its foundation customers.

The "Guardian" system – which has now been deployed nationally for the elevator and escalator provider – provides "GPS-enabled asset tracking, form completion, and workplace health and safety" functions.

"One key feature is the 'man down' tool, which sends alerts to the team if the device is stagnant for more than 15 minutes," a Vertical Matters spokesperson told CRN.

Vertical Matters – based in the Melbourne suburb of Frankston – started business with its own mobile software suite named Mobile Quality Management System that assists construction firms to go paperless. Victorian company Sure Construction was Vertical's first-ever customer to benefit from MQMS.

Later, Vertical Matters took on IT responsibilities outside of its own IP, becoming a reseller for cloud software vendors Google, Xero and SOTI.

"Vertical Matters promotes a 'mobile first' strategy and chose to partner with Google and Xero due to the ability it provides to organisations that they can access their files from anywhere – without the need of a server," said the Vertical Matters spokesperson.

"Using these systems, we've helped start-up firms go from zero to full capacity in rapid time – even building their websites. And with established companies, we have a dedicated team that specialise in migrating files from a traditional server environments."

The expansion in service has now reached a point where Vertical Matters can provide consulting services to help clients meet ISO and Australian Safety Standards – a prerequisite in submitting government tender applications.