Atlassian
Winner, Information and Communication Technology Award

Founded in 2002, Atlassian is a privately-owned Australian software company. It makes development and collaboration tools that enable companies to deliver quality software products faster, from concept to launch. Profitable from day one, Atlassian has experienced rapid growth over the past eight years, and its products are today used by more than 20,000 companies in 134 countries.

By establishing an internet presence from day one, Atlassian made its products immediately available to a global market, and sold to eight countries in the first three months of operation. Export sales have continued to be the company's lifeblood, representing over 90 per cent of sales in the 2009-10 and 2008-09 financial years.

The business model has always consisted of online self-service sales, rather than having a sales force. Atlassian relies on its products to "sell themselves" based on their quality and competitive pricing, and on the strength of the company's reputation.