From low-tech to hi-tech

Joe Scicluna remembers a time when there were only a dozen telephone lines between Malta and Gozo. But the technological challenges of working on the sister island never stopped him. He used to import the first plain-paper copiers and cash registers to Gozo and was the island's first colour television repairer. But he has found a way to make technology bridge the channel and his software company is finally ready to look even further afield.

"I always loved technology," he admitted. "It was always very important to me. I organised the first computer awareness classes in Gozo and the first computer show there. All this when we still had floppy disks!" he laughed.

"When computers became part of our lives, I wanted to get into software design and in 1996, I formed a company with Jean Pierre Scerri, who had been a student of mine at one time!"

The company was named after their shared initial: J2.They started out selling hardware but offering their own software, focussing on the needs of particular retail sectors. In time, the result was a payroll package called Payday, which includes a clocking-in system and is now used by 300 companies. But more importantly, the Software system, known as Visual Integrated Business Software, can be used to manage stocks and ledgers for anything from a boutique to a pharmacy, from an automotive spare parts outlet to a supermarket (J2 did the system for all the Scotts outlets).

The multicurrency system can use touch screen or bar code readers as well as a wireless data collection handset, and can also be used for restaurants.

It also handles card-processing and VAT management. They also do one-off systems for other sectors, like travel agencies.

"Overseas software might be cheaper but we offer a complete package and very good service," he said, adding that they rely on word of mouth for new clients.

"We build a lot into the price so very little customisation is needed - and we are constantly adding new features. We are already preparing for the next generation of internet. The issue of new Windows' upgrades keeps us constantly on our toes."

J2 now employs five "young" staff and like many companies in Gozo the major problem is keeping them in an industry where demand for skilled staff far outstrips supply.

"It takes time to train a new recruit to your systems - anything from six months to 18 months - but realistically you cannot expect to keep anyone for more than a few years." Wouldn't it be easier to be based in Malta, where most of his clients are?

"I can't imagine moving the company to Malta. First of all, it would double our expenses as we would still keep the Gozo office. We just do a lot of commuting," he smiled.

"With IT, it doesn't really matter where you are; this is why IT is flourishing in Malta. We can solve problems over the phone."

This means that the time has come to try overseas markets. J2 has already turned away a number of queries because it did not feel it was ready.

"It is very hard to spare the manpower to attend fairs when you are so busy," he admitted.

"And we are very aware of the expense of travel. It takes time to visit a client."

Yet with so many companies closing in Gozo over the past years, the only way to look is over the channel... and beyond.