Customer-centric with an emphasis on unsurpassed quality is what makes Ixion InfoTech different from other local IT solutions providers.

Established in 2006 by entrepreneur Sudhashen Naicker, Ixion InfoTech provides specialist IT and communications services to a variety of small to medium enterprises, government agencies and emerging companies, using integrated services.

From a struggling start-up stumbling through the recession, Ixion InfoTech has grown into one of incubator Softstart BTI`s many success stories. While just two years ago Naicker was on his own in the business and unable to pay himself a salary for several months, today the company has a monthly turnover of around R50 000, a steady income stream from more than 12 clients, and is on a rapid growth curve.

Well aware that South Africa has no shortage of IT companies offering similar services, Naicker knew the only way he would become a success and make his company stand out above the others was by ensuring nothing short of excellence in his business offering. Today Ixion`s clients know that should they need any additional IT assistance, their provider can be contacted 24/7, 365 days of the year.

“Offering exceptional customer service is what sets Ixion InfoTech above its competitors. On the strength of proven quality service and referrals, we continue to grow our customer base. Business is booming,” says Naicker.

Another factor that distinguishes Ixion is its open source service offering. The company not only offers traditional IT support and services but Linux desktop products, catering for a broad selection of requirements.

The transition from start-up to success was not easy; Naicker says it was stressful and there were a lot of lessons learned along the way. In 2007 the company suffered a big blow when it lost a sizeable contract with the via Masana Technologies. Naicker realised the company would have to redefine itself, or fail.

At that point the company had no marketing base, referrals were slow as companies were not willing to spend money, particularly on young companies.

“The challenge of treading water during an economic downturn is enormous. I realised then that I`d fallen into the trap many entrepreneurs find themselves: I had been reliant on a one large client, and hadn`t put any effort into marketing the company. When Ixion lost that single client, the company lost virtually its sole source of income. I had no reserves to ride the storm, and I knew that in order for the company to survive, I`d have to persevere.

“In early 2008 I had the fortune to be singled out by Softstart BTI, and I`ve not looked back. Softstart gave me the step up I needed to get Ixion`s name back into the market,” says Naicker.

Through Softstart BTI, Ixion has enjoyed the benefit of business coaching, the use of office facilities, a platform to access fellow entrepreneurial minds off which to bounce ideas, and a multitude of networking and business opportunities.

Naicker believes his company is destined for great things. His vision for Ixion InfoTech is not small: to become one of the leaders in the provision of IT excellence in South Africa.



Tags: Softstart  BTI