25 years of excellence
When I reflect back on the first 25 years of SMS history, I see three distinct periods of our development to date
- The start-up years from 1986 to 1997 when the Company was developing its culture and operating as a small privately owned business
- The next period between 1998 and 2002 representing the transition years, becoming more corporate, going public, coping with the failed merger with Sausage Software and transitioning to independent owners and managers
- The most recent period between 2003 and 2011 has seen the Company come of age, building on our cultural foundations and developing more intellectual capital, processes, systems and leadership to become the most respected Australian company in our field. This is reflected in client recognition, market capitalisation, and institutional investor support
Today SMS is seen as the leading local service provider in our industry. This is not so much the culmination of the last 25 years but rather the launching point for our next period of growth.
The next chapter
As we begin our second quarter century in business, we enter the next stage of our development; one which will see us recognised not as the leading 2nd tier firm but as a Regional leader. SMS will be recognised as a firm focused on Australia and the Asian region. Our extensive investment in processes, methodologies, systems and people, and our dedicated specialist practices set us apart from all other local competitors. Furthermore we have more qualified people ‘on the ground’ in Australia than all but a few of the global giants.
Our client value proposition, 1) Quick and Responsive, 2) Access to a Comprehensive Range of Specialist Capabilities, 3) Easy to do Business with, and 4) Commitment to Delivery Excellence (always keeping our commitments) differentiates us in the market.
What will SMS look like in our next chapter?
- More large scale transformation programs where SMS is bringing together a complete range of capabilities to meet client requirements
- Greater career opportunity for our people to develop in specialist areas or engage with a wide range of clients in Australia and in Asia
- More international work. Already a Hong Kong client is one of our top five
- Deeper and more comprehensive relationships with our clients where we are their long term partner not only a provider of point solutions
- Continued investment in the emerging trends and technologies that will generate the growth of the future. Over 30% of the projects delivered by SMS five years from now will require capabilities that do not exist today
I am very excited about the next chapter in our journey as a Company, today is not the end point of the last 25 years but the launching pad for the next 25. As we begin that journey, we take with us the values that define SMS: respect for individuals, creating the freedom for people to take initiative and achieve their full potential, expecting high standards and judging people on their merit alone. Our three rules: Add Value; Enhance Reputation, and Maintain Unity will be as appropriate in the next 25 years as they have been in the last 25 years.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you.
Tom Stianos
Chief Executive Officer
SMS Management & Technology