Hedgehog Lab adapts programme for iPad

Jun 3 2010 by John Hill, The Journal

NEWCASTLE software developer Hedgehog Lab has adapted one of its IT programmes for the iPad.

The Hoults Yard-based firm hopes the new Apple product will be a good fit for its Solomon programme, which helps businesses keep track of business contacts, conversations and appointments. The management tool is targeted primarily at small businesses and freelancers.

Hedgehog Lab was founded by Sarat Pediredla and Mark Foster three years ago. Solomon and bug management tool Fixx are both already available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The company plans to recruit new staff to its five-person roster and move to larger offices in the next year.

Mr Pediredla said: “Hedgehog Lab was born out of my observations and frustrations from working within the technology industry. I realised that there was a huge gulf in the market for a product that was user-friendly and based around the needs of small businesses.

“We have recently had our second application, Solomon for iPhone made live on the App store, and I am confident that this simple-to-use web-based CRM system could, with the iPhone application, help many companies.”

Hoults Yard features around 400 media professionals including production company Standing Stone, Northern Film and Media, branding agency Fat Frog and creative media firm Mere Mortals.

Hoults Yard managing director Charlie Hoult said: “The market for iPhone apps is exploding and several players at the yard are transforming their service delivery by adopting the technology. With the iPad coming to UK, I’m reckoning we will see a lot more businesses that are spawned from eBooks to automation tools.”