Congratulations to Matthew Austins who is celebrating his 15-year long service milestone this week.
We caught up with Matt to find out more about his time at OGL so far:
"It feels like a lifetime ago when I started at OGL Software and was issued my lapel pin and key fob. I still have the originals of both, although the pin has lost it’s shine and the fob has seen better days.
My first role was as a Data Analyst, moving customer data from whichever system they were leaving into the prof.ITplus structure. In retrospect this went hand in hand with the training I received on the prof.ITplus front-end to ensure I had a reasonable grasp of what went where.
From the Data Transfer team, I moved through the prof.ITplus Software Support team into the Web Services team where I helped to ease the pressure on the web developers by tackling the simpler tasks and assisted customers with controlling the content that went from prof.ITplus to their website. This became my daily task for three years, lending my time to the Data Transfer team when annual leave or sickness resulted in a call to arms.
Eventually I migrated back into Software Support, this time as a member of the Bridge Team where I would spend the largest portion of my time at OGL Software so far. Due to the breadth of the system my time was spent investigating a myriad of queries and configuration changes from customers who had encountered errors or simply wanted to know if the system could work differently or provide functionality that they previous hadn’t required.
After several years, including a move from second to third line bridge, I was offered the opportunity to move into my current role in the prof.ITplus Development Team. With the move ever onwards into a more connected and electronic world this has brought its own challenges as we balance stability and innovation through changes to prof.ITplus.
One constant throughout my time at OGL has been the feeling of achievement when designing, implementing, or finding a solution that makes someone’s job easier. I’ve worked with some interesting people in my 15 years with the company, and recall many tales we have shared."
Matt's manager, Charlie Grant added: "Matt’s 15 years' service with OGL, says a lot in itself and is a fantastic achievement.
Over that time, he’s worked across a number of teams including web, prof.ITplus support and the implementation team as a data analyst, before moving into prof.ITplus development from 3rd line support. That journey really shows in how he approaches things today, with a strong understanding of both the prof.ITplus product and the customers we support.
Matt is someone we rely on heavily. When something doesn’t behave as expected, he’ll get into it, work through the detail and see it through to a fix. It doesn’t matter if it sits directly with him or not, he’ll always help move things forward. His problem solving and input are a big part of getting development work into a stable, usable position. Matt is also involved in a number of wider projects across the business, working closely with different teams, including infrastructure, to test and move things forward.
He’s played a big part in the Ubuntu 24.04 work and in getting Sculptor 6 to where it is now. There were some early teething issues, but it’s now in a strong place with many customers running it without issue. Matt has been central to that and is now working on the client build as we push that forward.
Alongside the larger projects, he’s also made smaller but important improvements to prof.ITplus. One example is strengthening the password field, a simple change on the surface, but one that helps keep things aligned with modern security expectations.
Matt also plays an important role supporting others across the business. Whether it’s helping the support team during clinics or working with sales to scope new development opportunities, he’s always willing to get involved and provide his input.
A huge thank you to Matt for everything he’s put in over the years, it makes a real difference."
Sharon Moreno, COO also added: "Throughout his time with the business, Matthew has consistently demonstrated the qualities that define a truly outstanding employee of OGL. His commitment to delivering the highest quality of work, his unwavering reliability, and his genuine dedication to our customers have made him a highly valued member of the company.
Matthew works quietly but with great purpose. He is the person colleagues and customers alike know they can count on, particularly when faced with difficult situations. No challenge is too great, no request too demanding, and his calm and steadfast approach in difficult circumstances is something that has been noticed and valued by all who work alongside him.
Matthew, on behalf of everyone at OGL, thank you for your loyalty, your professionalism, and your fifteen years of outstanding service. You should be enormously proud of everything you have contributed to this business, because we are incredibly proud to have you as part of our team."
