Top computer company wins quality certification

One of Western Australia's top computer companies has achieved the unusual distinction of securing Australian, British and international certification for the quality of its products.

"An officially recognised level of quality certification is now necessary for all companies doing business with the Government, but this additional recognition obtained by Computer Protocol will also enable it to compete in a huge new export market," Deputy Premier Ian Taylor said today.

He was speaking at a special presentation of the certificates at the company's headquarters at Perth's Technology Park.

Computer Protocol has just secured Australian and International Standards certification for both its hardware and software products, as well as a certificate of approval from the British Telecommunication Board (BAB).

BAB certification is essential before any company can supply equipment which links in with Britain's telecommunication system.

"Computer Protocol is one of an expanding group of local computer companies which are establishing a solid niche in the world's highly competitive market of information technology," Mr Taylor said.

"The company's speciality is in devising systems and equipment to connect different communication networks.

"In fact, the company is presently working with that other well-known Perth computer company QPSX - along with Telecom and OTC - to enable a variety of private networks to link into Telecom's FASTPAC service which makes use of the original QPSX high speed data transmission technology."

Mr Taylor said the importance of quality certification should not be underestimated.

"It does not just mean that a company is producing guaranteed products but that the whole philosophy of its management and workforce is to maintaining high standards," he said.

"It can be expensive to reach these standards but there are Government programs like the one we operate through the National Industry Extension Service (NIES) which can help cover the cost.

"Indeed we helped Computer Protocol meet some of its costs.

"But for any company which wants to compete internationally - and for that matter even nationally - quality certification is now as essential as its trading name."