Home > About Us > SSW History
SSW History
SSW has been developing Microsoft based solutions since 1990. Here's a brief summary of our history (including some of the company 'tag lines' featured on the site):
1990 - Superior Software for Windows - is born!
The company mission is to provide excellence in software development, targeting the Microsoft Windows 3.0 platform.
1992 - 'Building your Business on Access'
The company focuses on Microsoft Access solutions and is one of the premier Access development companies in Australia.
Clients start sending cheques made out to SSW instead of Superior Software for Windows. Banks honour the cheques!
The company launches the 'Sydney Access User Group'.
1993 - We become SSW
Customers start referring to us regularly as SSW. It sticks.
1995 - Visual Basic
SSW embraces developing applications in Visual Basic.
SSW starts getting serious with SQL Server 6.0 giving enterprise-level back-ends to their Access and VB apps.
1996 - 'Awesome Web Development'
SSW builds extensive experience in web development and becomes one of Sydney's leading ASP development companies.
SSW releases its first commercial application: Data PRO! for Access
1997 - SSW releases its first set of 'Rules' for software development
The Rules have since grown to more than 3,000 separate rules covering Microsoft technologies and software development methodologies.
SSW Upsizing PRO! becomes the leading 3rd party tool for Access.
Sydney Access User Group renamed to 'Sydney Access/VB/ASP/SQL Server User Group'.
1999 - SSW Software Products
SSW releases its first server product: Exchange Reporter
SSW recognized as a Microsoft Gold Partner.
2000 - Microsoft Recognition
SSW's Chief Software Architect - Adam Cogan - awarded as a Microsoft Regional Director.
2001 - 'Leverage the Power of Rich Windows Applications'
SSW delivers numerous Windows client solutions using VB6 and Access.
SSW works with beta version of .NET Framework 1.0 and releases the very first ASP.NET web application in Australia (running on the beta).
User Group presents on Web Services for the first time in Australia.
2002 - 'Business? How Can We Help You Today?'
Microsoft releases .NET 1.0? SSW is an early adopter.
SSW renames User Group to be the 'Sydney .NET User Group'.
2003 - 'Building Better Microsoft Solutions'
Microsoft's .NET platform is updated to 1.1 and SSW becomes a premier developer of Windows and Web solutions using .NET
SSW provides migration services, consulting, and products to help companies migrate from VB6 and Access to .NET.
2004 - 'Writing Software People Understand'
SSW's focus extends to Microsoft SharePoint and delivers solutions including mid-sized business portals.
2005 - Global Growth
SSW develops key skills in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
SSW opens its Brazil office.
2006 - Global Reach Extends
SSW opens its China office.
2007 - 'Future Thinking, Immediate Results'
By embracing Agile software development approaches, SSW streamlines its offerings to clients and is recognized as a leader in rapid application development for businesses and companies.
Technologies such as jQuery become popular and re-invigorate the web space.
2008 - SharePoint Takes Off
SharePoint 2007 is one of the fastest growing technology offerings in Microsoft's history. SSW is a recognized leader in SharePoint development and builds the biggest SharePoint site in Australia. SSW also designs, develops and deploys the Microsoft SharePoint.com site.
2009 - 'Powered by Software Teams, not Individuals'
SSW further focuses its development methodologies and completes a transition from Agile to Scrum.
SSW is awarded as one of only a handful of Certified Scrum Training companies worldwide endorsed by Ken Schwaber.
SSW has more Scrum Certified Trainers than any other company in Australia.
Mark Hetherington joins the team as a productivity and workflow consultant.
SSW opens its UK office headed by Microsoft ALM MVP Martin Hinshelwood.
2010 - TFS and Scrum
SSW is the first company to go live with a TFS 2010 system in production, and delivers world standard Scrum training.