2015,
we took a few major steps to boost our ongoing transformation, building its
momentum, and always making sure that all is in good shape.
First,
we hired. We tripled our R&D workforce. Until one day in September, I suddenly
realized that we were no longer in the SME category that entitled us to enjoy
some government benefits for the SMEs.
Second,
we outsourced. The tripling of our R&D staff force still fails to meet our
aggressive schedule. We are so determined to launch another six cloud applications
from the existing two by the end of 2016. This explains why we hunt for more top
minds; and our perseverance on better user experience suggests even more. So,
the hunt is still on.
Third, we
showcased. From joining security tradeshows, we started taking part in cloud IT
and HR events to present our new cloud products. Polarized views were received.
We often heard visitors’ from the
security exhibitions commented, Wow. Two
dollars per person per month; that’s expensive! On the other hand, people
from IT and HR industries reacted, USD24
per annum per employee? Its peanuts. When the trend is right, you can never
go wrong.
Fourth,
we fine-tuned. It’s imperative that our internal system be more adaptive to the
cloud environment. Without a lightweight organization structure,
it would be too clumsy to float on the cloud. And, to ease the management when R&D
swells, we adopted the CMMI standard, which is now at the final stage of
certification.
Fifth,
we strategized. We have laid our marketing foundation for resellers to market
our cloud applications effortlessly with higher benefits and RWI (Return
Without Investment). All they need to do is to start selling.
Sixth,
we reinvent. FingerTec is already a 15-year old brand that we built from
scratch to reach that global level and now we are building another brand name, proudly
named TimeTec. The implications? We are moving from hardware to Software as a
Service (SaaS); from sale to subscription; from one-time off to recurring income;
from biometric to beyond biometrics.
Many
more.
All
in all, the transformation is alive and kicking; it’s never too late to jump on
our magical cloud wagon for the journey into the future. Our whistle is blowing
loud and clear.
