1902 Software Development Corporation

1902 Software Development is a Danish-owned information technology company in the Philippines that specializes in developing websites, web systems, webshops, mobile apps, and graphic design. It was started in 1998 by Peter Skouhus. The company has clients primarily from Europe: 50-60% of the company’s turnover is from Denmark, then from Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, and USA. 1902 Software is a certified Microsoft partner in Application Development, an Umbraco registered partner, and has employees with technical certifications in Magento, Xamarin, and Microsoft.
History
Peter Skouhus, a Danish entrepreneur, founded 1902 Software Development on September 8, 1998, in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. With background in sales in Canada and programming in Germany, Peter attempted to set up a software development business in Europe but was met with challenges.
He ventured in the Philippines, having heard of the country’s IT talent pool and of Filipinos’ English proficiency, which he thought would be advantageous in delivering services to a global market. He started 1902 Software as a sole proprietorship, which later became a corporation on April 10, 2001. The company was registered in the Board of Investments from April 18, 2002 to June 21, 2011. Paul Nerie, one of 1902 Software’s first employees, was appointed as Corporate Secretary in 2007. Paul is currently the vice president for technical Affairs.
Peter named the company "1902 Software Development" to commemorate the entrepreneurial legacy of his great grandfather who started a carpentry shop in Hinnerup, Denmark in 1902; and for the company name to start with a number for precedence in listings.
1902 Software initially offered AutoLISP and Visual Basic software services, but transitioned to web development due to change of consumer demands in IT. In 2003, the company started developing web projects using .NET/ASP. NET/DotNetNuke. In the succeeding years, 1902 Software used several other web technologies:
* 2008 - PHP development was offered
* 2009 - Magento developmen<nowiki/>t was started
* 2011 - WordPress developmen<nowiki/>t became part of its services
* 2012 - Native app development for iOS and Windows was started
* 2013 - Native app development for Android was added
* 2014 - Umbraco developmen<nowiki/>t was offered
* 2015 - Xamarin cross-platform app development was began
Location
1902 Software started its operation in Eisenhower Building in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. In 2000, the company transferred to Atlanta Centre, also in Annapolis, Greenhills for a bigger office space. In 2010, the company made a major office move from Greenhills, San Juan to southern Manila, in Richville Corporate Tower at Madrigal Business Park, Alabang. The most recent office move was in 2016 when 1902 Software transferred to a IT Park, at Asian Star Building, in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang to avail of government incentives for IT export companies.
Services
# Websites and web applications. 1902 Software develops web applications—websites, CMS, portals, web-based business applications—that are speed optimized, in responsive design, with technical SEO. It primarily uses the following web technologies: ASP.Net/SQL, PHP/MySQL, WordPress, Drupal, Umbraco, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap.
# Webshops and e-commerce. 1902 Software develops webshops or online shops using Magento and WordPress. It creates e-commerce shops from scratch, maintain existing webshops, and integrate Magento webshops to accounting systems, , and the like.
# Mobile applications. 1902 Software develops mobile applications for iOS, Android and Windows devices natively or using the cross-platform, Xamarin. App upgrades and support are included in its services.
# Graphic design. 1902 Software has in-house designers who create layouts and graphic solutions for websites and apps. It also offers design of collaterals and marketing materials such as emblems, icons, banners, print (posters, pamphlets, pamphlets, fliers, yearly reports).
Project management and methodology
Clients work with two project managers at 1902 Software: one for the creative requirements of the project; and one for the technical part. Project managers at 1902 Software use variations of SCRUM and agile development methods. In general, projects are began and completed observing a full software development lifecycle.
Clients are given access to a web-based project management system where they can track progress of tasks, communicate with project members, and send tasks and requirements. Project managers and production members use the same system as group communication tool, online Scrum board, time-tracker, and to exchange project materials.
Branding and identity
In its earlier years of operation, 1902 Software’s branding was embodied by its logo showing the company name with “1902” in dark blue oval. In 2010, the logo design was completely changed showing “1902” in moss green lettering and bearing the slogan, “Web Development and IT Outsourcing.”
A few more logo modifications were made in 2012, while still keeping the green color scheme. The 1902 Software logo was rendered in a light green circle with a shiny, 3D-like effect. In 2015, the logo was revamped anew. The design was still based on the 2012 logo, but the gradients and embossed graphics were reduced. The slogan was changed to “Design. Coding. Support.” This design stands as the current logo of the company.
For its current overall branding, 1902 Software uses a combination of green and orange color scheme. The font, Bariol, is used for most of the company's marketing collaterals. The company uses actual photos of employees at the workplace for its marketing campaigns to show the company and its employees in their actual work environment.
People and culture
The company work culture is characterized by discipline, but combined with casualness. Employees come in casual attire and address each other on a first-name basis. Organization and discipline are emphasized in the workplace where managers and rank-and-file alike observe task deadlines, show transparent use of time, observe efficiency, communicate directly, resolve problems without delay, and respect company rules, including punctuality, and attendance.
Recognizing employees
1902 Software recognizes employee accomplishments through the Traveling Carrot Award, Team Player of the Month, announcing of positive feedback from clients, Perfect Attendance incentive, and celebrating employee milestones. The company conducts team building activities and after-work events like, shows, outings, contests, dinner-outs, and annual yearend parties. The company works on a regular day schedule, following regular office hours, without shifts.
Training and development
1902 Software sponsors its programmers to obtain technical certifications for the development technology they use, and also provides review materials for programmers to prepare for the certification exam.
Upon joining the company, new team members follow a detailed training program and are supervised by an assigned senior developer, project manager, and training officer for learning pace and progress. Project managers and training officers of 1902 Software conduct knowledge-sharing workshops after identifying issues and knowledge that team members must know, such as new technology, techniques, or coding standards. At times, employees are sent to third-party trainings.
Affiliations
* Nordic Business Council
* European Chamber of Commerce
* Microsoft Partner Network
* Umbraco Partner

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu