BrailleNote big winner in Britain

LONDON - A Christchurch-made computer system for the blind, which has the backing of Microsoft chief Bill Gates, is a smash hit in Britain.

The BrailleNote organiser, which allows blind people to check their e-mail, is made by PulseData.

Pedro Polson, managing director for the company in Britain, said it had 40,000 ($127,590) worth of advanced orders before BrailleNote was fully released on the market.

"The blind market is slow but with Bill Gates and [Prime Minister] Helen Clark behind it, BrailleNote is expected to be a big success," he said.

Helen Clark launched the organiser during her visit to Britain in April.

BrailleNote is a breakthrough in its field and is endorsed by Mr Gates, who is pictured on the website (BrailleNote.com) with Professor Russell Smith, the driving force behind PulseData.

"It was released in the US last week but never have we seen such interest in a blind product before its full release," Mr Polson said.

"It usually takes a product in the blind market six months out on the shelves before orders come in.

"We are continuing with research and development in Christchurch to find new products and we are concentrating on producing things that will help the blind and partially sighted people.

"We do anything and everything for the blind. That's our focus, and in the UK we are one of the top three players."

Mr Polson said he was constantly telling people in Britain that New Zealand was becoming a strong mover in new technology and was not just into sheep and farming.

"When they see what we have produced they get blown away about our product.

"This is 21st century Kiwi ingenuity."

PulseData has been operating for eight years and has a high reputation for its PC-based, low-vision electronic magnifiers for the partially sighted.

It is also being recognised as one of the world-leaders in speech-based note-takers for the blind.

"The key to success is that once you get a customer and you can satisfy their technology needs, they are yours for life," Mr Polson said.

"Where possible we employ visually impaired or blind people who are users of our product as this gives our product more credibility and also teaches the company much more awareness of what is needed for now and into the future.

"It is easy to 'sell New Zealand' but more difficult to sell the New Zealand technology aspect as this is a relatively untried item for New Zealand exports," he said.

"The UK public are used to New Zealand wine, New Zealand farming products, tourism, and all these are well-respected.

"We are breaking new ground in our field."

NZPA