MONTE SONNENBERG -SIMCOE REFORMER

High Tech Presence Returns to 101 Donly Drive South

A high-tech presence has returned to 101 Donly Drive South in a big way. 

Internet and software design firm Picasso Fish recently relocated its operations from Peel Street in Simcoe to the industrial park off Victoria Street.

Picasso Fish moved because it had outgrown its office on Peel Street beside Kwic Internet. The firm as traded up from 600 square feet to 2,600 square feet on Donly South.

The move is a homecoming of sorts for president and company owner John Matecsa of Simcoe. The building at 101 Donly South was the headquarters of RDS Data, makers of customized computer cash registers, for nearly 20 years.

Matecsa worked for RDS for 15 years and was in the process of establishing Picasso FIsh  when the firm folded in 2000. At its peak, RDS employed 150 people and counted among its clients Tim Hortons, Harvey's, Bata Shoes and Famous Player's Theatres.  

Matecsa has good memories of working for RDS and admits it's a bit of a thrill to take his place each morning in his boss's former office. 

"Irony" is the perfect word for it," he said this week. "When I was inspecting the property before we negotiated the lease, it was eerie going through the building. Bit it feels like my place now." 

Picasso Fish specializes in creating a strong Internet presence for individuals and companies. The firm also handles print promotions, ranging from the design and creation of display art for billboards, vehicles and trade shows. 

Matecsa says the key to surviving  in this line of work is recognizing how quickly the environment can change. A business on teh leading edge one day can be quickly overtaken if it isn't alert to technological and market trends. 

"We'll always be a technology company," Matecsa said. "As technology changes, we'll adapt. We'll always go where there is a need. The web is hot right now, and so is design on the web."

As for the future, Picasso Fish suspects web-based systems similar to LINUX will eventually overtake Windows as the dominant computer operating software. Microsoft Windows  might remain the dominant software for desktop application, but Picasso Fish sees great potential for web-based operating systems for server networks. 

"We've positioned ourselves to take advantage of that," Matecsa said.

Picasso Fish employees welcome the move to Donly Drive South . Graphic designer Jordan Stewart says a larger work space gives the imagination more room to roam and reflect.

"It's great from a creative standpoint," he said. Picasso Fish employs seven full-time and two part-time employees.

Matecsa has so much space on his hands that he has been able to sublet an office to Russ Doucet, a colleague who also worked for RDS Data.

Doucet owns Data Lucidity  Inc. The firm specializes in 'data forensics.' His main clients are lawyers seeking to secure evidence in cyberspace and on computer hard drives.

"This is CSI in computer land," Doucet said. Doucet is also housed in a office that once belonged to a RDS boss.

"In a sense, it's fun to be back in this particular spot in the building," he said. "I know John very well and I've very pleased to be sharing office space with him and being near his business."