Integration Group Ltd / iRevolution PLC
VP & CIO (January 2001 - February 2002)
Led comprehensive data center operations and pioneered the world's first pure Application Service Provider (ASP) solution.
Role Overview
As VP Operations & CIO at Integration Group Ltd / iRevolution PLC, I held comprehensive responsibility for data center service delivery, managing a team of 30 people across all technical operations. This role positioned me at the forefront of the emerging Application Service Provider (ASP) industry, working on groundbreaking solutions that would later evolve into what we know today as Software as a Service (SaaS).
Key Responsibilities
- Total responsibility for data center service delivery operations
- Management of 30-person technical operations team
- Strategic planning for ASP platform development
- London Stock Exchange listing support and preparation
- Contract management, budgeting, and technical design oversight
Business Context & Innovation
iRevolution PLC Profile
Founded: 1982
Public Company: London Stock Exchange (IREV:LN)
Business Focus: IT services, software/hardware integration, and pioneering ASP solutions under the iFuel tradename.
ASP Industry Pioneer
iRevolution was at the forefront of the Application Service Provider revolution, offering business management applications, IT service management, and software development solutions both on-site and as hosted solutions.
World's First Pure ASP
Developed and implemented what was recognized as the world's first pure ASP delivered solution, establishing the foundation for modern Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms.
London Stock Exchange Listing
Supported the company's efforts toward London Stock Exchange listing, contributing to strategic planning and operational readiness for public company requirements.
Technical Leadership & Innovation
Data Center Excellence
Managed comprehensive data center operations with total responsibility for service delivery, ensuring high availability and performance for all client applications and services. This included infrastructure management, capacity planning, and service level optimization.
ASP Platform Development
- iFuel Platform: Led development of the ASP platform under the iFuel tradename
- Hosted Solutions: Created infrastructure for delivering applications as hosted services
- Software as a Service: Pioneered SaaS enablement and delivery solutions
- 80-20 Solutions: Managed information retrieval and knowledge management services
Comprehensive Technical Oversight
My role encompassed the full spectrum of technical operations, from contracts and budgeting to detailed technical design, ensuring seamless integration between business objectives and technical capabilities.
Team Leadership & Organizational Impact
"Managing a 30-person team across all technical operations during the ASP industry's nascent years required both visionary thinking and operational excellence."
Led a diverse team of 30 technical professionals across all aspects of data center operations, from systems administration and network management to application support and service delivery. This comprehensive leadership role required coordinating multiple technical disciplines while maintaining focus on innovation and service excellence.
Leadership Achievements
- Built and managed high-performing 30-person technical team
- Established operational procedures for emerging ASP industry
- Created service delivery standards that supported public company requirements
- Developed technical staff across multiple specialized domains
Technical Innovation & Architecture
ASP Infrastructure
- Multi-tenant application hosting
- Scalable service delivery platform
- Enterprise-grade security architecture
- High-availability data center operations
Service Integration
- Software and hardware integration
- Business management applications
- IT service management platforms
- Knowledge management systems
Industry Impact & Legacy
The work at iRevolution PLC represented a pivotal moment in the evolution of enterprise software delivery. As VP & CIO, I helped establish the technical and operational foundations for what would become the modern SaaS industry, demonstrating that complex business applications could be delivered reliably as hosted services.
Revolutionary Achievements
- Pioneered the world's first pure ASP solution
- Established operational standards for hosted application delivery
- Created scalable infrastructure models later adopted industry-wide
- Demonstrated viability of software-as-a-service business models
- Supported successful public company operations and listing efforts
Strategic Value & Business Contribution
This role at iRevolution PLC was instrumental in establishing my expertise in large-scale operations management and emerging technology platforms. The experience of managing comprehensive data center operations while supporting a public company's growth provided invaluable insights into both technical excellence and business leadership.
Key Business Contributions
- Delivered reliable service delivery supporting London Stock Exchange listing
- Created operational infrastructure enabling business growth and scalability
- Established technical standards that enhanced company valuation
- Built team capabilities supporting long-term organizational success