11/16/2009
MILWAUKEE, November, 2009 – Centare Group’s Chief Technology Officer, Ed Chaltry, recently participated in a panel discussion focused on the present and future of Milwaukee’s technology industry.
“I am encouraged by the potential of Milwaukee’s technology community,” says Chaltry. “Although the overall quantity of skilled talent may not be quite on par with our neighboring metropolises of Minneapolis and Chicago, there are pockets of excellence here that are as strong as any found in America’s heartland and offer a solid foundation on which to build.”
According to Chaltry, it is critical for Milwaukee’s corporate leaders to invest in technology education, training, and networking initiatives. “As I’ve watched the industry evolve, it’s become apparent that more collaboration between users, developers, and business professionals will be needed if Milwaukee is to make a serious leap forward in its technology infrastructure,” says Chaltry. “We have to continue to fight complacency and stretch our boundaries. The technology world is too progressive and won’t take kindly to those not motivated to adapt and innovate.”
Chaltry also identified several challenges preventing Milwaukee businesses’ from maximizing their technology potential. “Up until recently there were simply not enough qualified and experienced technology specialists available to do the work,” comments Chaltry. “There can also be a tendency for some companies to hesitate too long before addressing technology needs, forcing unrealistic timelines that affect outcomes.”
“One of the things technology firms need to do is shift more of the focus on business needs,” continues Chaltry. “At Centare Group, our philosophy is that it’s more important to use the ‘right’ technologies, not the ‘cool’ ones.”
Hosted by Spreenkler Creative, Chaltry was joined by panelists representing C2 Graphics Productivity Solutions, Northwest Mutual Life, and Trivera Interactive. Approximately 30 technology and business professionals listened to Chaltry and fellow panelists discuss a variety of issues pertaining to the technology sector in Milwaukee, including:
- the state of Milwaukee’s technology industry
- challenges to completing technology projects
- fostering the growth of Milwaukee’s technology community
- the use of particular technology stacks
For more information on technology consulting services, contact Centare Group at 262-827-1010 or visit www.centare.com. For additional information on the November’s technology panel, contact Sara Gehl at 262-573-4720. For more information on Spreekler Creative’s regular “Meet Up” events, visit www.spreenkler.com.
About Centare Group
Founded in 1999, Centare Group is a software development consulting firm with 35 employees headquartered in Brookfield, Wis. It has developed software solutions for clients around the world and was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. Centare Group is recognized by Milwaukee Magazine as one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s Best Places to Work and is listed as a Top 10 Small Business by the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce. Centare Group CEO Dave Glyzewski was also selected as a 2008 Bravo! Entrepreneur Award winner by the Small Business Times. The firm concentrates its efforts in:
- Software development using .NET, Java/J2EE and Actuate technologies
- Business process improvement
- Systems integration
- Mobile solutions development
- Strategic technology assessments
- Training and implementation of agile software development practices