Security is something that businesses cannot afford to neglect. Unfortunately, only the larger businesses can afford to have someone to take charge of securing computers and data. Luckily for the rest, they can depend on the easy-to-install security applications and solutions by Celestix.

Started in 1999 as an all-in-one server appliance developer, Celestix began to focus on security applications in 2001. The company now has offices in Singapore and the United States and has clients spanning across Europe, Asia and the US.

These developed markets are where Yong-Thye Lin, President of Celestix Networks, sees the adoption of security applications growing. According to him, companies in these markets understand the importance of security and are looking for something that can do the job, without having to worry about its installation and maintenance. "These companies are looking for something that they can plug into the network but won't require constant supervision," he says.

But the security market is both crowded and extremely competitive. When Lin first heard about the Infocomm Local Industry Upgrading Programme (iLIUP), by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), and the opportunity it offered to local infocomm company to establish mutually beneficial technology partnerships with leading IT MNCs, he immediately knew this was the partnership he needed to take his business forward. As it turned out, the iLIUP partnership Lin formed with Microsoft has given him no cause for regret and has proven extremely beneficial to the company.

Yong-Thye Lin, President of Celestix Networks

According to Lin, when Celestix started out, it was difficult for a small Singapore infocomm company to gain a foothold. As with all new companies, there was a problem with credibility. Partnering with Microsoft solved this problem. As Lin puts it, "It's different when companies hear that Microsoft is behind you. You can see them thinking that there must be something different that sets you apart if Microsoft is willing to be your technology partner. It helped to open many doors."

Besides privilege access to the Microsoft's vast pool of technical expertise and received the chance to train and interact with the company's expert Infocomm professionals, Celestix also had the opportunity to tap on Microsoft's extensive International marketing and distribution expertise.

"Looking at new markets is always exciting but it is important to be focused and not be tempted to spread yourself too thin," said Lin. "For a small company, it is vital that you are able to achieve smooth growth that increases revenues and market share, while being careful not to lose focus or overstretch yourself while trying to achieve the growth.

Lin cautions budding entrepreneurs that everyone has their own path to take: "You can't jump onto the entrepreneur bandwagon simply because everyone else is doing so. You also need the right vision and product to bring to market. Developing a solution and bringing it to market is never easy so make sure you leverage on those things you do well."