A Skye-based internet software development company is poised to break into the UK software market with a £1million project which will create 16 jobs and a company with truly global connections.

Gael.net Ltd has secured financial backing from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE) towards a project to commercialise and market its innovative new "SiteKit(tm)" software products on a UK-wide scale.  The web content management software enables non-IT specialists to operate powerful, dynamic websites, thereby cutting the cost and time for website developments. It is anticipated the software will be especially attractive to medium-sized businesses that need to improve their online presence, but lack the resources to develop and support complex systems.

The software will be delivered via the internet instead of distributing boxed CD-ROMS, in a method known as the Application Service Provider (ASP) model. This approach offers significant benefits for customers, including instant access from any PC, fewer server installation problems, seamless upgrades of the system, and crucially, allows Gael.net to support its products over the web from its existing base in Skye.

The company has been developing its systems for the past two years at its offices in Portree and Inverness and is now ready to undertake the final development phase prior to launching the software as a stand-alone commercial product. 

Despite Gael.net's distance from the targeted customer base, the owner is keen for the company headquarters to remain within the Highlands.  Chief executive Campbell Grant's loyalty to the area will make his company one of the few Highland businesses to develop and market commercial software products at a UK-wide level.  He said:

"The UK simply must develop more world-class products if it is to prosper. At Gael.net, we always knew we had the skills and the product; but it also requires significant financial resources to successfully establish a brand and support commercial products on a national scale. With this investment now in place, we believe we can launch a sustained campaign to capture a significant share of the UK  market."   

Chief technology officer Chris Eckl added:  "Our success in developing and piloting SiteKit with our launch partners over the previous two years has given us total confidence in launching SiteKit to a wider market throughout the UK and beyond. We have a stream of follow-up products in the development pipeline and we see ourselves very much as a software factory, but surrounded by magnificent scenery, not smokestacks and motorways!  Our location actually helps us to attract very high quality staff who want a better lifestyle."

Since being established on a croft in 1995, Gael.net has grown steadily and the company has successfully delivered complex projects for its customers, which include many large organisations. 

During this time, Gael.net's web sites have scooped a number of awards, including the "Winners at the Web 2000" and short-listings in the Scottish "Thistle Awards" and the prestigious UK "Yell Awards". In addition, the company itself won the 2001 Highlands & Islands Business Awards (Technology Award), has been ranked amongst the Top-20 fastest growing Scottish based technology businesses in the Deloitte & Touche "Fast50" awards for two years running, and was placed in the European "Fast500", which significantly raised its profile outside the Highlands.

The £1million project has been backed by SALE, which has awarded Gael.net a £150,000 funding package towards equipment and infrastructure costs. SALE has also invested £350,000 equity in Gael.net Ltd, bringing the total funding package up to £500,000.

Gael.net's innovative use of technology has been an important factor in its ability to win and retain customers UK-wide.  SALE chief executive, Robert Muir believes the Internet can benefit many other small businesses in a similar way.  He said:

"We have supported Gael.net since the beginning, and are pleased to assist the directors as they start this next ambitious phase in the company's development.  I commend Campbell Grant's commitment to retain the company headquarters in the local area. Gael.net's expansion into the UK market demonstrates how technology continues to remove the barriers of distance. We are hopeful that with the growth of successful companies such as Gael.net, and the advances in broadband availability, more businesses will realise the commercial benefits of locating in the Skye & Lochalsh area."

"They are an important local employer offering high quality, year round employment and news that the company will be recruiting additional staff will be a great boost for the local economy."

Sandy Cumming, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) welcomed the project:

"The Highlands and Islands is an attractive place to work, not least because of the environment and the quality of staff.  This project will demonstrate that advances in telecommunications and Internet technology mean it is entirely possible to live here and work globally.
 
"The number of businesses with their own website is growing, and Gael.net's product has entered the market at precisely the right time.  The Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network as a whole is particularly keen to see as many businesses as possible expand their use of e-business and we are keen to support any development which can make this a more affordable goal."