Leading Tasmanian integrated technology provider TOPS has received strong recognition for its recently launched ZAPTZ^© company and innovative computer software packaging application at the State Government's annual ©-Star award for science and technology commercialisation.

The unique computer software repackaging and virtualisation solution is being managed nationally and internationally from TOPS Hobart base through its newly formed dedicated software repackaging company ZAPTZ^©.

Technical Director Andrew Hennessy said being named a ©-Star finalist so recently after the ZAPTZ^© release would provide an enormous fillip as the application was rolled out to the market.

Mr Hennessy said the company had already attracted strong interest in the ZAPTZ^© product from around Australia and was now looking to establish markets in all states and in countries around the Pacific rim.

Major partners Altiris and Symantec are currently using ZAPTZ^© throughout Australasia for all their clients' software repackaging needs.

"This award recognition from the Department of Economic Development and the Tasmanian Science and Technology Council of achievement in commercialising an innovative product demonstrates that we are on the right path."

The ZAPTZ^© system is a revolutionary application packaging and management system that makes computer environments more stable, resilient and easier to manage. It greatly reduces the time required to install, deploy or stream software applications and simplifies computer image management. It simply integrates and enhances Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI), Microsoft SoftGrid, Altiris Software Virtualisation Solution (SVS), and any existing server deployment technology.

"ZAPTZ^© has developed technology and a methodology (patent application filed) to remotely 'zap' any software application creating a ZAPTZ Blue Balls^© software packaging product," Mr Hennessy said. "ZAPTZ Blue Balls^© are advanced software repackaged applications with premium benefits which can be provided in three different formats: MSI, Microsoft SoftGrid, or Symantec Altiris SVS software virtualisation formats.

 "ZAPTZ^© enables clients to standardise, manage, install and uninstall applications and licences over their entire IT environment. They can also audit and track applications and licences held by their organisation locally, nationally and internationally.

 "TOPS local and international expertise provides the cutting edge system management and support that can be delivered online through ZAPTZ^©."

 TOPS has been licensed to market and distribute ZAPTZ^© in Australia and internationally and the company is rolling out the product and will service it from its Tasmanian base employing its Tasmanian IT specialists.

TOPS Managing Director Noel Brown said the company was now entering a new and exciting expansion phase and was looking to take specialist product and service offerings nationally and in the case of ZAPTZ^©, internationally.

TOPS has been serving Tasmanian business and government since 1980 and has offices in Hobart and Launceston, with service staff in Devonport and Burnie. Its services include integrated IT systems, telecommunications, technology management services, audio-visual, video conferencing and advanced systems' packaging.

"Our ©-Star success is a signal of our confidence in the Tasmanian ICT sector and through innovations like ZAPTZ^©, TOPS is determined to play a leadership role in truly developing Tasmania as the intelligent island, Mr Brown said.

Contact: Andrew Hennessy, telephone (03) 6270 4118