Talk the talk

Howard Beggs, chief executive of medical software company Medicom, talks to David Clerkin.

Tell me about the company.

Medicom was set up in 1996. We design, install and support a range of software products for healthcare professionals. We employ 30 people and want to grow to 40 by the end of the year.

Who are your clients?

Our customer base is made up of GPs, consultants and other specialised providers of healthcare services in Ireland. About 60% of all computerised GPs and consultants are using our software to run their practice. We automate the day-to day-functions of a medical practice.

How did you get into the business?

The firm was founded by me and Maeve Kelly. Both of us were IT professionals and we recognised a gap in the market for the provision of dedicated technology solutions for the healthcare sector.

Medicom started to sell computer solutions to private medical consultants as a three-man operation in 1996. After winning the technical category of the national enterprise awards in 1999/2000, the firm attracted private investment, which enabled it to grow relatively quickly and to develop a broader suite of products.

You bought your main rival this year. Why?

We looked at a potential acquisition in the sector to deliver the benefits of economies of scale for our customers. Consolidation in the indigenous software sector is recognised as a requirement if firms are to grow in Ireland and abroad.

Tell me about the consultation process you’re currently going through with GPs.

A panel of GPs drawn from our user base is driving the design and functionality of the next generation of our software solutions.

This process includes a survey of all GPs and primary care professionals to establish what they believe would help them.

How big is your market?

The primary care marketis expanding. In the future, the PC will be central to the running of all practices and the overall aim is to provide solutions to help GPs and consultants share information in a secure and efficient manner.

Are there any new markets you’d like to tap?

We’ve recently launched a nursing home product and are also evaluating a product for private dentists.