Proving research and development can be achieved even in small business, Dubbo-based business Bos Web Management has teamed with Charles Sturt University (CSU) to develop a unique application for the property industry. After several rounds of competition, the project has attracted $100,000 in federal government research and development funding. 

The research and development (R&D) project will develop new software to improve efficiencies for property development and management companies, and improve communication between property valuers and lending institutions. 

With funding from an AusIndustry Start Graduate Program, Bos Web Management has employed two CSU information technology graduates to work on the application’s development. 

Under the program, CSU information technology senior lecturer Dr David Tien is also providing expert guidance to the project and working with the graduates, Justin Carter and Monique Spanjaard. 

The director of Bos Web Management, Mr Brendon O’Sullivan, said the application being developed does not currently exist in the Australian market. 

“It will radically streamline business processes, so the property industry is very excited about our project,” Mr O’Sullivan said. 

“Funding research and development would be very difficult for us as a small information and communication technology business without this grant, and the University assistance in this process is invaluable, as it gives us direct access to expertise and resources we wouldn’t otherwise have in a regional city,” he said. 

Dr Tien said the grant provided recent graduates with valuable employment opportunities in the region, as well as providing the University the chance to work with a local partner. 

“This is a significant project for the University. It highlights the type of development that can occur in regional areas with CSU working together with local business,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan hopes to have a prototype of his application early in 2005 and a final release ready for the industry by August 2005.