Experienced IT support, with a personal touch
I’m John Kirkby, the person behind iTech WA. I’ve worked in the IT industry for more than 40 years, helping businesses and individuals make practical use of technology.
My career has taken me from the UK to the Middle East and Australia, working with computer systems, networks, business software, email platforms and websites. I’ve seen technology change enormously over the years, but one thing hasn’t changed: people need technology that works, and help they can understand when it doesn’t.
Today, I provide friendly, practical IT support to homes and small businesses in Bridgetown and across the South West. Whether you need help with a computer, Wi-Fi, Microsoft 365, email or Apple devices, my aim is to make technology easier and less frustrating.
iTech WA is the trading name of The Trustee for Kirkby Family Trust.
Need a hand with your technology? I’d be happy to discuss what you need.
Based in Bridgetown, Western Australia, iTech WA operates from PO Box 386, Bridgetown WA 6255.
John’s career has covered IT consulting, business software, networking, web development and computer support. This breadth of experience helps him understand both the technology and the practical challenges faced by businesses and individuals.
John remains passionate about technology and continues to work as an independent IT consultant and tech blogger. His experience working with businesses of different sizes and across several industries gives him a practical understanding of the technology challenges faced by both businesses and home user.
Over the years, John has worked in a wide range of technical and business roles. The following summary highlights some of the key stages of his career.
My IT career
1980s
John worked in the construction and oil and gas industries in Yorkshire, NE England, and Scotland. He owned Sinclair and BBC computers and built his own IBM XT and AT clone computers. He was also an early power user of “Lotus 1-2-3,” the precursor to Excel, and wrote many database applications using DB2, DB3, FoxPro, and Clipper.
– Mid-1980s: John moved from the UK to the Middle East (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) before settling in Australia.
As a Cost/Planning Engineer, John developed numerous database applications that integrated with Planning/Scheduling Software systems like “Artemis” and “Primavera.” This led to a career as a consultant for Welcom Software, the developers of “Open Plan” and “Cobra,” cost-control and planning systems. John was an early pioneer of the future Internet, being a regular user of Prestel and Compuserve.
1990s
John became Queensland Distributor for Open-Plan and Primavera Software and embraced Apple Mac systems. As a Network Manager for large Engineering Offices, John set up site AutoCAD and Planning Offices using Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows AT computers, and servers. In the late 1990s, John became very familiar with Lotus-Notes Domino as an email, web server, and applications development tool.
After returning to Dubai, John opened the country’s first executive search agency before returning to Australia (Perth) and running an Oil & Gas recruitment company. Before concentrating on developing the world’s first international expat recruitment website, John worked as a Network Manager for a large Engineering Office.
2000s
John became a Lotus-Notes/Domino Consultant for Western Power and developed a web-based international recruitment website using IBM Lotus/Domino (running on Red Hat Linux servers). This e-commerce website was designed for international engineering, oil & gas, and mining recruitment.
2010s
John migrated his recruitment website servers to PHP, shifting his focus to IT/Computer Support Services. He responded to the growing demand for IT support from small and medium-sized companies.
A niche market emerged, offering servicing and upgrading out-of-warranty Apple Mac Products (iMacs and MacBooks) and migrating on-premise Microsoft Exchange Servers to Microsoft Hosted Exchange and SharePoint/OneDrive cloud storage systems. This led to the formation of The IT Guys and later Hybrid ICT, an MSP company.
John is an independent IT Consultant and Tech blogger. He works on a contract basis for various clients, including:
- A Perth based MSP company as a HelpDesk Technician
- An Eastern States IT Solutions Company with clients such as Coles, BP, Toll, Regis
- An Eastern States Fast Food Restaurant chain, servicing and upgrading local facilities.
- An Eastern States Telecomms company installing IP Phones locally
- An Eastern States company assisting rollout of new IT equipment to Building Material Supplier
- Business and Residential clients in Bridgetown and the South West.
Need help with your computer or technology?
iTech WA provides friendly, professional IT support for homes and small businesses in Bridgetown and the South West.
With more than 40 years of IT experience, I provide practical, plain-English advice and personal service.
Friendly, professional IT support that comes to your door.