Business Profile: Proto Software

Contact: Raymond & Darren Dillon
Business: Proto Software
E: info@protosoftware.co.uk
M: 07703766787

Business Profile: Proto Software

Can you describe your business?

Proto Software is a recently established software development and consultancy firm. We develop websites, apps and IT Solutions for a wide variety of customers. We also advise businesses on how best to utilise technology within their business, whether it’s through moving to the cloud or making use of mobile technology to reach new customers. We are also working on a number of products related to bot technology and a specialised mobile platform to allow customers to manage their own app content.

Why did you start your business?

I graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2015 with a degree in Computer Science and took the decision to move back to Tyrone and was lucky enough to get a job in a local software start-up in Omagh. I worked there in a small team for a year, learning lots from both a business and development point of view. Unfortunately the start-up closed down and I approached my brother Darren with the idea of starting up, as we felt there was a need for a software house outside of Belfast. We felt that we could offer services locally, assisting local businesses with using technology to reach new customers and to gain new opportunities.

What are the best things about running your own business?

The best thing is that we can be creative, pursuing avenues which we feel will be big. My brother and I were both passionate about software and technology in general and it’s brilliant to be able to pursue that passion through a business.

What are the main challenges facing your business?

The software industry is extremely fast paced and it is a major challenge to keep up to date. Technologies change and we need to keep up with that. There is also advancements in Artificial Intelligence and holographic computing which we’ll need to keep on top off. We also face challenged in competing with bigger companies – but we feel we have something special to offer and that there are great things to come.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

Be passionate about what you do. There will be tough days. Be passionate, be creative and don’t give up.

Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?

All good craic!