Shireburn Software, one of the first local IT training companies on the island, was founded in 1983 by John de Giorgio. Soon after it was launched, the company started developing its own software solutions focusing primarily on freight, accounting, payroll, POS and inventory. These initial products were steadily followed by a number of more complex and sophisticated solutions targeting both the local as well as foreign markets.
Internationally, Integra for Notes was launched in 2001, servicing clients on the scale of the US Air Force, Siemens, Coca-Cola and Volvo. Concessionaire Analyzer+, designed to manage and increase concession-based revenue in airports and shopping malls was launched globally in 2013. Along the years, came global recognition and a series of local and international awards for a number of Shireburn products.
Locally, the Shireburn Business Suite assists businesses of any size to manage processes, leverage information and monitor performance. The latest software innovation is Shireburn Indigo, a cloud-based platform that enables local companies to manage payroll and leave administration. Shireburn Indigo has already claimed the MCA eBusiness Best B2B Application award. Indigo Time & Attendance, announced this week, will complement payroll by facilitating attendance and shift management.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Shireburn Software and we spoke to five employees to get a glimpse of the company and what they have to say about it.
Warren Schembri, Team Leader & Network Administrator (Technical Department), four years at Shireburn. "My day at the office revolves around identifying, troubleshooting and resolving network-related problems related to servers on the corporate and client networks, identifying new computer technologies as well as working with cloud computing technologies."
Ruth Falzon, QA Automation/Manual Tester (QA Team) 4.5 years at Shireburn. "My job involves testing various Shireburn software products, automating as much of the testing effort as possible."
Neil Caruana, Product Development Manager (Software Development Team), 12 years at Shireburn. "I lead the software development teams throughout the software product design, development and deployment process."
Adam Buttigieg, Customer Services Manager (Customer & Technical Services Team), 17 years at Shireburn. "I have the title of a manager, but I do not like that word because I consider myself a coach. I coach my team on a daily basis to improve our customer experience as well as develop the individuals' skills."
Claire Farrugia, Junior Software Developer (Developers / T&A Team), 1 year 4 months at Shireburn. "I am part of the client-side software development team on the latest Time and Attendance solution."
What made you join Shireburn?
Warren: My previous role was a network administrator in another company and I was in touch with Shireburn's team. I think that Shireburn is a leader in this industry and I have a huge amount of admiration and respect for that. As a result, with the experience I had, I thought it was the next best move for me to join Shireburn.
Ruth: Shireburn was already an established leading software house, and it was the ideal company to progress in my career. Once I joined Shireburn, both my role in the company and the company itself continued to evolve, making the journey challenging and interesting.
Neil: The opportunity to grow within the company while having a lot of exposure to different enterprise technologies.
Claire: I joined the team at Shireburn soon after completing my University degree last year. A friend of mine, now also a colleague, recommended that I apply because of the positive company culture adopted.
One word/phrase to describe Shireburn?
Warren: Innovative
Neil: Teamwork
Adam: Friendly
Claire: Professional
Describe the funniest moment during your time at Shireburn.
Warren: I was locked in the server room; my colleague had locked the door without noticing that I was inside... (just for a couple of minutes).
Ruth: Every Christmas, the new recruits are required to prepare a speech/poem. Someone altered one part of the text of the poem, which resulted with the employee unknowingly reading the text, realising moments later the offensive words he had just said.
Adam: Had so many, however the one that stands out is when a new colleague was asked to hand write his business cards as we told him that the printer did not provide them in time!
Claire: I was in my second month at Shireburn and I was pair-programming with a particular colleague for the first time. We were discussing some features at his desk, and I thought it was a good idea to eat my salad at the same time. I somehow managed to bite a cherry tomato and squirt the tomato's liquid by mistake, all over my colleague's monitor. Quite embarrassing!
What is your proudest moment so far?
Warren: The re-design of Shireburn's entire internal network; this was a team effort and I am very proud of it!
Ruth: Managing to finish my studies with a good grade, while juggling my career and motherhood. Being recognized and appreciated as a valid member in the QA team.
Neil: Being involved in building an innovative product that is now being used worldwide.
Claire: My proudest moment so far was becoming part of the team responsible for the latest T&A cloud solution, a project which I have been lucky to form part of from the very beginning.
Has your role evolved and how have you seen the company progress along the years?
Warren: I started as a Technical Support Representative and today I am very proud to lead a team of four people in our Technical Department.
Ruth: My role at Shireburn started as an Implementation and Support Officer. After around a year in this position, I started performing manual testing on a project that was being developed, which eventually led to my move to the QA department. My position has also risen to that of automation tester.
Neil: Starting as a junior developer, my role within the company grew in responsibility and went through many different phases; the company has tripled in size and is now at a stage where we are investing in highly specialised roles to further support the team. Exciting times!
Adam: I started at Shireburn as an IT Technician. Today, with the help of team leaders I manage two departments. The journey was challenging but I always had the proper guidance from directors, management and employees. I joined Shireburn as the 18th employee - we are now over 60. What worked back then will not work now, so we embrace change and adapt accordingly keeping in mind our clients and staff.
Name that element/benefit/perk that you love most about the company and/or the people you work with?
Ruth: Having good team dynamics, where teamwork really makes the dream work.
Neil: Working with like-minded people which make the daily work experience much more enjoyable.
Adam: We have a family atmosphere in the office; we are not just a number. Yes, we have bad days like everyone; however, we group together and help each other move on.
Claire: Teamwork, knowledge-sharing and communication between employees is of utmost importance for the work we do. Easy parking is a plus too!
What is your advice to young people wanting to be part of the industry?
Warren: Never give up on your dreams; say yes to innovation, say yes to learn something new. Dreams don't work unless you do!
Ruth: The IT industry is an evolving sector, continuously requiring more people that are knowledgeable. Following a career in IT is challenging and interesting and with the new technologies constantly being released, it never gets boring.
Neil: The IT industry is an ever-growing industry, having a part in almost everything that we do. With ever changing trends and challenges, my suggestion would be to start young and to combine academic study with work experience. It is an exciting career for everyone!
Adam: Work hard and be humble!
Claire: Our industry is constantly developing... I believe it is important for people interested in this field to keep themselves informed about any research and developments being carried out.
For more information, please visit www.shireburn.com/35