EDS gives small fry a leg up

By PETER GRIFFIN IT writer

IT services heavyweight EDS is allowing companies to tap into its global network of customers and Taranaki health software developer Doctor Global is its first New Zealand recruit.

The Global Partner Solutions scheme lets small companies, with EDS support, access potential customers among EDS' huge client list. In some cases EDS will work with the small companies tendering for contracts.

Doctor Global's chief executive, Roger Gower, said the potential sales channel created by EDS would be the company's main focus in the near future.

"I've a vision of small New Zealand technology companies going overseas and I think there's a real benefit in working through these channels rather than trying to create them yourself," he said.

Gower would seek EDS' help in winning business in the United States. It can see a niche market in providing disease management services for health providers and patients via the internet.

"We think the health providers can supply better care, more frequently at lower cost," Gower said.

Doctor Global, which is backed by several investors, including Endeavour Capital's Neville Jordan, posted a $1.9 million loss in the year to March 31 last year on revenue of $333,000. Its accounts for the past year are yet to be released.

Gower would give no firm indication of when Doctor Global was expected to break even, but said it would be "soon".

Doctor Global's services will be marketed to EDS customers locally and in 60 other countries, including EDS clients active in the health industry.

EDS NZ managing director Rick Ellis said the venture was a good example of how large companies can "co-exist and partner with smaller companies in a dynamic way".

The scheme has been a success across the Tasman, where it was launched with Federal Government help. Australian companies have generated sales of A$80 million ($90.8 million) through access to EDS' global channels.