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Posted: Wed, September 8, 2004
Profile: Netbop Technologies Ltd. Netbop Technologies recently caught the media's attention when it launched BopSpam - a spam filter that can block an incredible 99.5% of those unwanted Emails. Established by Andrew Downie when he was still a mechanical engineering student at Swansea, the company also offers high quality hosting as well as full Internet solutions for businesses - from a simple websites to complete ecommerce solutions. Matt Pearce talks to Andrew about the growing success of the start-up. You recently launched 'BopSpam' - a filter that can block 99.5% of spam. How does it work, and how is it so effective? The BopSpam filter uses a newer and more innovative method of spam filtering than virtually all of its competitors. This is because it operates at the server end of the chain, stopping the spam before it is even downloaded. The filter does not just offer the standard safe-list and block-list like many others, but a wide range of settings such as blocking by country, language and attachments to mention but a few. The key to the 99.5% accuracy is a personal Bayesian Filter based on each individual BopSpam user. We are delighted with the uptake of the product and last month WebUser Magazine reviewed the product as being the best Spam Filter available on the market ( http://www.webuser.co.uk/products/Bopspam_review_2049-598.html). For further details and to sign up to test the service visit www.BopSpam.co.uk.  You currently offer two other major applications - 'BopControl' and 'Bop Stats'. What can these applications do? BopStats was the first online application which was launched just over a year ago. It is a tool that any company that has a website should be looking into. BopStats is an always-online application that monitors website traffic and the online behavior of website visitors in a simple user-friendly format. The system, which is accessible by an online control panel, offers key information like the pages being viewed, websites linking to you and most importantly, it lists the search engines, keyphrases and keywords used to find your site. Further details are at www.BopStats.co.uk.  BopControl in short is an easy to use online webpage editor that allows you to edit and publish your website anywhere within just 3 clicks of the mouse. It is all online, so there is no software to install and because it uses a Microsoft Word editing style, changing text and inserting pictures and tables is made easy. The other difference with BopControl is that your site can stay where it is as it will publish to any ISP (e.g. NTL or Virgin Net). For further details you can visit www.BopControl.co.uk.  What other services/products do you provide? NetBops primary service is quality web design and has a large portfolio of satisfied clients. We also offer a wider range of other Internet services which include ecommerce sites, search engine optimisation, hosting and domain registration. You only graduated from Swansea University last summer. Were you working on the products before you graduated, and what's been the key to your rapid success? Although I knew I wanted to run my own business mid-way through my degree, the online applications (e.g. BopStats) where all developed after graduating. I believe the key to NetBops success so far is partly down to publicity, but also ensuring that all customers are satisfied with the end product. In one particular case, a referral has gone as far as 6 people deep! How did the Welsh Development Agency's Graduating to Enterprise scheme help? The Graduating to Enterprise scheme is a huge benefit for young people setting up in business. The scheme offered business mentoring and valuable access to professionals for advice in specialist areas (e.g. finance and marketing). How did your background in mechanical engineering lead you into the field of IT? I have always had a strong interest in IT even from a young age. However, I enjoyed Maths, Physics and Design Technology at A-Level and Mechanical Engineering offered me a well-rounded degree. Looking back on my decision I do not regret in any way taking Mechanical Engineering and it is a side I very much enjoy and may turn to in future years. What one piece of technology has benefited you the most? The invention of the Internet!?! I think over the past 10 years computers, the Internet and the IT sector in general has grown at such a fast pace that the prospect of coming years is exciting and something I am looking forward to. What advice would you give to start-ups in your area? Firstly I would definitely recommend getting in contact with a local Knowledge Exploitation Center to discuss possible free advice schemes (e.g. the G2E & Wales Spinout) which may be able to help. The Swansea University KE Center has been an invaluable asset to my current position in business. You can never get too much advice, but remember the decision is always yours. Where do you see Netbop going in the future? It is anticipated that 3 online applications, like BopSpam, will be launched every year and that we will help thousands of both small businesses and home users to use the Internet. Web development is still a large portion of what is done here and NetBop will continue to create award-winning sites. The Netbop Technologies homepage is at: www.netbop.co.uk |
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