Gary Mao doesn't believe in limitations. The founder of Pine Brook-based Avtech Technology has built his business-primarily an IT training and certification center-around the idea that the more you have to offer, the better off you'll be. In addition to training and certification, the company now offers custom software development, consulting services, and network design and implementation. We recently spoke to Mao about Avtech.
Tell us about Avtech Technology.
In 1997, after working for about 10 years in PC hardware, manufacturing, and engineering, I decided to start an IT training school. It became apparent to me that Internet technology was going to have a huge impact on the IT market, and that there would be a demand for training and for workers. I started offering training classes in PC and networking administration in Novell Netware, Microsoft NT networking, and SUN Solaris UNIX SA courses. Later on, I was able to add courses in programming C, C++, MS VB/SQL, Java programming, EJB/J2EE/JSP/Web logic, as well as database courses in MS, SQL, Oracle OCP DBA, and IBM DB2-UDB.
You also offer some other services aside from training. What are they?
Our business is basically divided into two parts--our computer consulting and services division and our academic division. In the former, we offer clients consulting and recruiting services, as well as software application development. We specialize in enterprise-wide business solutions, client/server technology platforms, and custom contract and project services.
We can provide staff to clients for long- and short-term project in networking, integration, and application development services. And with our network design and implementation, or our software application development, we continue to provide post-implementation support and custom training services.
Any upcoming software releases?
We're releasing an Internet-based database sharing application for the New Jersey Parents' Caucus. The platform will allow parents and family to share their experiences and record their progress with state health support system. This system will cut costs dramatically and track how much time and how much money has been allocated to each state welfare candidate.
What kind of a response are you seeing to Microsoft's .NET initiative?
Personally, I'm really excited about the fact that Microsoft came up with .NET. It's going to have a tremendously positive effect on the software industry-in fact, I expect Avtech's software-developing business will double or triple as a result of the initiative. But in general, the new platform is really going to help companies integrate new systems with existing legacies.
Have you seen an increased interest in Linux training?
Personally I like Linux, but I haven't seen increased interest in Linux training in IT field, because sales and marketing for Linux is still not that strong. Support for the operating system is still is a big issue for Linux.
Any areas of IT that students should be sure to focus on right now?
I don't want to specifically point to one IT training field, but I would say that in the real world, hands-on experiences is absolutely crucial. If a job candidate has strong hands-on experience, he or she definitely has an edge on candidates who simply have multiple certifications.
Where are you still seeing a strong demand for IT workers?
IT job market demand is closely related to the current economic situation. As a general rule, whatever industry is still doing well in a challenging economy, that industry will provide a solid landing ground for any IT professional.
What's next for Avtech?
We will continue to build a global software developing and consulting business, and to integrate real-world, project-driven training with highly efficient project management. The Avtech management team feels confident it will achieve this future goal.
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