Former Smart50 entrant takes away key Victorian IT award

A former Smart50 entrant has taken home an iAward for creating one of the most innovative and useful pieces of technology in the past year.

Papercut Software was among several Victorian companies to walk away with iAwards last night, along with businesses such as Valleyarm Digital, HealthKit, Lock Box and Data Agility.

The iAwards are given to Victorian businesses every year and are held by the Australian Information Industry Association, the Australian Computer Society and the Pearcey Foundation.

Papercut Software managing director Chris Dance says while technology moves so rapidly, it’s clear some trends are emerging – specifically in the area of green IT and clean technology.

“I think one of the common points we all saw was the advent of Green IT, and that was a section on its own and actually quite a competitive one,” he told SmartCompany this morning.

“Things like that are moving in the industry, and it’s not just the carbon tax or power bills that are pushing it along. It’s an area of innovation.”

Papercut won the export achievement award for its print and copier management software, with which it’s had some international success. Dance says the software’s ease of use helped the company get recognised.

“Because we’ve built the software as so easy to use, it allows us to penetrate companies all around the world.”

“Previously we’ve had people installing the software, representing the company and so on, explaining how it works. But we’ve got an easier solution now.”

Some of the other winners include security application maker Lock Box, which won in the security application category, while eLogistics group eHealthFlow.com won it that section.

Health community site HealthKit won for the eHealth category, while the Melbourne Water Green Data Centre won in the Sustainability and Green IT section.

Payment solutions company Total Tel International also won in the communication category.

In a statement, Victorian Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said the event –the biggest of its kind in Victoria –rewarded the achievements of “home-grown Australian innovators”.

“As Victoria fosters a skilled, innovative and creative ICT workforce, we are excited to be involved in the premier awards program for Australia’s ICT sector.

Dance says the entire event showcases the need for businesses to keep innovating.

“All the companies are driven for innovation, every company that was there. That’s the drive – research is still critically important.”

Entries to this year’s SmartCompany Smart50 close on Thursday August 16.