Introduction

From Distributed Systems to Enterprise Coordination

My background is in industry and infrastructure. In the late 1990s, I began designing networks and creating distributed systems for process automation, initially in logistics and later in banking. At the coal face with real workers on the factory floor, I developed skills in audit, structure, rationalising processes, reliability, security, business improvements, and interoperability.

Translating my clients’ needs into solutions, we developed our first major software product called Tradexchange, a B2B commerce platform designed to improve workflow, procurement, and supplier coordination, think of it as an intelligent Amazon-meets-eBay hybrid.

We also developed Shop in a Box and Paydex, which enabled small businesses to set up a website, online shop, publish to a global catalogue, and take payments. This evolved into VIO, Virtual Internet Office, a platform that combined ecommerce with office utilities and modular workflow tools. Data centres were prohibitively expensive at the time, providing 1GB servers for £1,000/month, so clients hosted their systems on-site and we connected them to the Internet using 56K modems that felt incredibly fast at the time.

The Transition to eMDT

In the early 2000s, a founder of Oracle came on board as our angel investor. He later helped fund a centre for medical education and innovation, and I returned to my roots by project managing the build. During that time, I met and became friends with some remarkable clinicians, nurses, staff, and patients. They were inspiring, and I wanted to help, so we changed direction.

I spent three years visiting multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in over 150 hospitals around the UK to understand their needs. We began building eMDT in response to what I saw as a recurring challenge in health and social care: the difficulty of bringing together people and data across organisations

While eMDT was initially conceived in a healthcare setting, it was designed as a collaborative framework, a way to structure work across boundaries. The product could have been be applied to any industry where organisations needed to work together or partner using Internet-based workflow.

Ardeo’s Broader Direction

Today, Ardeo continues to develop eMDT, but our applications cover different secors. Current initiatives include:

• Ardeo Core A universal version of eMDT, suitable for any sector requiring structured collaboration
• CareConcierge A service model built on distributed care coordination
• CostPlan.AI An industry collaboration using the eMDT base in construction
• Driving Net-Zero Reducing Scope 3 emissions by connecting local businesses and improving workflow

Across these projects, the fundamental idea remains the same: better collaboration leads to better outcomes.

Looking Ahead

We are still learning and continue to share what we find that works. Ardeo aims to remain technically rigorous, open to collaboration, and responsive to the challenges our partners and users face.

Over time, many people have joined Ardeo, each bringing their own energy and expertise. Our team continues to evolve and contribute helping us shape our work and deliver value to our clients. It is a point of pride that several colleagues who began their careers with us have gone on to build successful paths, whether founding companies or making an impact in their fields.

We invite you to help us evolve, and if your organisation is facing coordination challenges across departments, teams, or sectors, we would be glad to share what we have learned and work together on what comes next.

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