I was recently made aware that Jane and I started Invicta Linux 10 years ago.
To be honest, this caught me a bit off guard; however, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on a decade of co-directorship.
10 years ago, Jane and I started Invicta Linux. While Jane specialises in training, humanising tech and making people feel comfortable with the tools they rely on, my expertise lies in the technology itself, particularly Linux and cybersecurity. Despite our different specialisations, we both have one thing in common: we believe it’s the people using the technology who truly matter, not how clever the tech is.
We saw a growing frustration among businesses, feeling left out in the cold by providers who pushed them onto Microsoft 365 products and other cloud services, but failed to offer real support in emergencies. In response, we developed a new concept using Open Source and Linux to create solutions that are not only flexible and user-friendly but also robust, powerful, and secure!
Our clients valued the extra value and support we offered, which strengthened our partnership and created a mutually beneficial connection. This approach laid the foundation for Invicta Linux and inspired the development of our Contract Hire plan.
As we evolved as a company, we faced challenges common to many growing businesses. Early on, we realised that technical expertise alone wouldn’t ensure our success, we also needed a fundamental grasp of accounting, sales, and marketing. So, we dedicated time to understanding the importance of knowing our numbers and communicating our message effectively, which helped us grow over time.
This 10-year milestone holds special significance for me personally. It also marks my 20th year in the IT industry—at least in the sense of being paid for what has essentially been my lifelong passion. Honestly, it’s a real strange feeling. I feel insanely lucky to have worked alongside so many wonderful people, both in the teams I’ve been part of and the businesses I’ve worked with. Invicta Linux is built on a foundation of trust and good intentions, and it exists today thanks to the continued support of our clients.
I’m eager to see how the next decade unfolds for us as we continue to innovate and serve our clients. While there are concerns about where technology may lead us, I believe we can always find ways to bring out the benefits and minimise the drawbacks of innovation. Sometimes, all we need is a little help along the way.