BizSpark Startup of the Day - Magnetism Solutions

The BizSpark startup of the day is Magnetism Solutions, based in New Zealand. Below you will find an interview with Mark Smith, Managing Director in Magnetism. All the best to them and congratulations for being the startup of the day!

Website: www.magnetism.co.nz/solutionscasestudies/solutions/xero.aspx

Tell us who you are and your role in the company:

I am Managing Director in Magnetism. My role in Magnetism is to make sure that we always deliver the solution that best meets the client needs. I oversee the running of our organisation and encourage our teams to use industry best practices in all of their work, from sales to development.

What is your company’s mission?

To develop software that helps people to become productive while saving time and resources.

In 140 characters or less, tell us what your company does:

Magnetism provides a leading solution for Customer Relationship Management (CRM). We are honored to have been recognised by Microsoft New Zealand at the Partner Awards for the past three years and to be given the title of ‘Microsoft Dynamics CRM Solution of the Year’ for 2009. We have been involved in Microsoft Dynamics CRM since version 1.2. As the software has been upgraded, so have the skills and knowledge base of our consultants and developers. Based on this extensive experience with Dynamics CRM since practically day one, we are able to offer our customers a complete solution tailored to their organisation needs. Our expertise allows us to assess your organisation’s unique needs and continue to develop and implement a customised solution that will meet and exceed expectations.

Tell us about your Azure based solution.

Xero Connector provides smooth integration between Microsoft Dynamics CRM (4.0 or 2011) and Xero Online Accounting Software, arming you with a complete, real-time financial overview of your clients and suppliers. You will no longer need to enter data twice eliminating costly errors and giving you extra time to concentrate on more important tasks. It saves your time as there is no need to switch between systems. Information can be entered in Dynamics CRM and will automatically be updated in both Dynamics CRM and Xero. It eliminates the mundane task of having to enter data twice greatly reduces the likelihood of costly errors and inconsistency. When data is entered, it is automatically updated in both systems. No delay means timely and consistent data will always be accessible. Invoice and payment history is available in both Dynamics CRM and Xero therefore all authorised users can access this information for themselves rather than going to the Accountant. You will have the ability to view information across the various departments within the organisation. This allows for better communication and more informed decision making.

How is Azure implemented in your solution?

It uses an Azure worker role + web role to sync Invoices, payments and customers from/to CRM and Xero.

How did you get excited about Azure?

It allows our connector to work across all deployment types of CRM (Online, On Premise, Partner Hosted) using a single codebase.

What were the Azure features that prompted you to decide to build on Azure?

Worker Roles and Web Roles.

What specific value are you getting from BizSpark beyond the technology?

Currently the additional benefits we get are around events run by Microsoft in New Zealand.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment since founding your company?

Listen to the customer and design software they can use easily.

What were the Azure features that prompted you to decide to build on Azure?

We wanted to get our team up to speed on the technology as we liked the scalability and reliability of the platform.

What advice do you have for companies that are thinking about building in the cloud?

Do it now! Get up to speed and leverage the opportunities.

What is the one thing that you would like readers to take away about your Azure app?

It’s the future, get involved now!