A Brief History

In 1999, our late CEO, Rob Milland invented and later (2001) patented the Spiderbox, the first specifically designed apparatus to offer consumers the full benefits of the broadband cable. The concept was further developed with input from his business associate, John Hundy who later stepped into the CEO role, and the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications (University of Sydney), which assisted in the building of the Spiderbox prototype. There have been a number of versions designed since the initial product which are more efficient with greater functionality.

In 2000, The Queensland Government Department for State Development and Innovation established the Australian Microelectronics Centre, which received over $2.6 million in funding in the first five years. The centre was set up as a growth accelerator to boost Queensland's pioneering and highly successful efforts at uniting research, industry and education to create a microelectronics industry with the combination of start-ups and existing companies. The opportunity to evolve within the centre was a key factor in momentum and facilitated research and development traction resulting in commercial deployment of technology. At the developmental peak, the Spiderbox Lab employed 10 research staff, including Engineers and Undergraduates with Specialties in Physics, Networking, Hardware and Programming.

Spiderbox research and development has delivered:

• SpiderNET solution, which provides Telephone, Internet and TV network anywhere in the World. SpiderNET is a quality backend, operating on a small hardware footprint at the smallest cost with seamless software integration. It includes:
• Triple-play: TV, Telephone and Internet as well as the relevant billing systems.
• Hosting for: VoIP, DNS, Dial-up and fax. Web and Email hosting as well.
• Firewall with Filter, Router, Quality of Service and Automated Provisioning.
• Utility monitoring and billing.
• An Advanced Intrusion Detection and Response system.
• The C-Spiderbox product was commercialised in time for display at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in 2005. It was a wharf side pedestal, which allowed SpiderNET to deliver/measure Triple-play, Electricity, and Water to moored yachts.

Spiderbox have been Recipients of:

• Queensland Government Small Business Accelerator Program (SBA) grant
• Strategic support from The Department of State Development Trade and Innovation's (DSDTI) Manufacturing Industries Pipeline (MIP)
• Queensland Industry Development Scheme (QIDS) grants which enabled development of the original Spiderbox technology.
• AusIndustry R&D scheme
• Comet scheme Grant for commercialization