Evoshift Communications Inc.
BY BRIAN HARTZ AND DOUG TAYLOR
PHOTO BY BOB HEWITT
Using wireless Internet technology, Ryley MacKenzie aims to change the Canadian telecom landscape — one small business at a time.
Ryley MacKenzie, the CEO of Evoshift Communications, is an evangelist when it comes to telecommunications.“In 10 years, there will be no need for cell phone companies, and we plan to be one of those firms that make that possible,” he says. Evoshift provides its clients with Wi-Fi based communication tools that allow them to make full use of the Internet for all their communication needs.
“Our goal is to provide these services to small- and medium-sized businesses at far less cost than the major telephone companies,” MacKenzie says.
Evoshift is in the build-up stage of its evolution but is finding traction in the market. “We are able to provide savings of 60 to 70 per cent on IP telephony solutions to our customers, anywhere in the world,” MacKenzie notes.
“In fact, one of our first customers was Vancouver-based but did most of its business in China, and we were able to substantially reduce their long-distance phone bills.”
Like many new firms, Evoshift Communications spent time developing a business plan based on a market segment.
“We decided to target SMEs as costs are the most important consideration for small businesses,” MacKenzie says. Evoshift does not have long-term contracts or usage fees; its pricing model is a flat monthly fee regardless of useage levels.
“This allows our customers to budget their costs without worrying about amounts used,” MacKenzie explains. “And our service can be used on any platform, unlike other free phone services like Skype. We really wanted to make it cost- and use-efficient for our customers.”
With some venture capital financing and self-funding, Evoshift Communications rolled out its services in 2010, and local firms have bought into its vision. Customers include The Bay Centre and the Downtown Victoria Business Association.
“We have aggressive expansion plans throughout the rest of Canada but we are staying in Victoria because the technology community here is really supportive,” MacKenzie says.
Profile
Type of business: Internet-based telecommunications
Year founded: 2010
Owner: Ryley MacKenzie
How many employees: 3
What sets you apart from your competition: I like to think of Evoshift as implementing innovation. In Canada, that is something that is rarely done regarding telephony. We are taking leading-edge technology and integrating that into a business model and an industry which needs a complete overhaul.
Douglas magazine's annual 10 to Watch competition celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship by recognizing ten up and coming businesses in Greater Victoria.
Click to see a full recap and photo gallery from this year's 10 to Watch gala.
Read about the other 2012 10 to Watch winners:
Vshoen Boutique
Victory Barber & Brand
IKAN Installations
First Light Technologies
YUPIQ
The London Chef
SendtoNews
Brink Events
Parc Modern Interiors
Get your copy of Douglas to see the full feature on all of the winners!
