X-Maze IT is a group of independant consultants fromed by Nicholas Tosis in October 1999. The goal is to offer Information Technology Consulting by applying the best and most appropriate technology to each problem at hand. In forming the colaboration, Nicholas and his associates wanted to break from the culture of compromise that they see throughout the industry. This was one of many founding principles that guide X-Maze IT.

Technology

• Technology is not just "work" for us. It is a vocation and a hobby. Because of our enthusiasm and professionalism, the end result is a more effective result for our clients.
• Good technology should appear seamless and easy to use to those who make the effort to understand it. It should not be frustrating and bewildering. Therefore we aim to work with you to help make IT part of your corporate culture.
• Appropriate and good technology should be used to solve the problems at hand. This does not mean that the most popular technology should necessarily be used. Technology should be about "what works" and not "what sells". This ensures that we offer impartial advice, unbiased by marketing hype.

Client Relations

• We enjoy our work and are enthusiastic about it. We will not work on a project that does not offer this kind of motivation, thus, if we accept a project, we will be 100% committed to providing the best possible solution.
• We are honest, sincere and straightforward. We will not rip you off and won't hesitate to say if we feel your current solution is inappropriate.
• Our quality of work is based on self imposed (high) standards. We will not recommend an "adequate" solution, we will always aim for the best solution.
• We believe in building long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. By gaining a deeper understanding of your business and systems, we will be better armed to help you adapt to your changing needs.
• We do not compromise on our principles to gain a client or to avoid losing one. We do it right or we don't do it at all. This gives our clients an unrivaled confidence in the integrity of our advice.
• We only work with vendors, partners, and clients who are able to appreciate our principles.

The identity of X-Maze IT derives from these principles as we apply them both within X-Maze IT and in our day-to-day work.

How do our principles affect the technology we choose?

X-Maze IT is an independent consultancy when it comes to technology. This means that we make our choices based on the best long term interests of the client. We do not promote specific technologies or solutions. Every project's requirements are examined independently and the most appropriate technologies are selected.

However, there is an underlying trend in the technological choices we make and this trend reflects what we believe to be the most appropriate solution at the time. This trend can be characterised in broad terms as "openness" and is expressed by technologies that provide flexibility of choices. More specifically, we believe in open standards, developed to allow interoperability and to foster competition and improvement.

The success of "open-ness" is most evident in the success of the Internet and is the result of open standards such as TCP/IP, and all the application-level protocols: SMTP, SIP, DNS, HTTP(S) etc. The Internet started in 1969 linking a few hundred computers. 40 plus years later open standards have allowed it to grow to its current state.

How does this affect you?

Open standards affect your future too. As your business evolves, the technology you use must evolve too to keep up with your needs and adjust to an ever changing IT world. A system that is designed with openness and interoperability in mind will protect you from being tied in to a single manufacturer.