Joe Pannone sits at his desk at Forza Technology Solutions in Wallingford. The firm is the first in the state to be designated as a small business specialist by Microsoft.

WALLINGFORD, CT. USA — March 14 2007 — Joseph Pannone is passionate about technology, but he admits that doesn’t necessarily make him a businessperson. So Pannone surrounds himself with partners Eric Brodwin and Harvey Heyman who both have master’s degrees in business administration. They understand marketing and the bottom line; Pannone handles the technological details that drive good customer service.

Forza Technology Solutions began in Pannone’s basement in 1993 and grew large enough to acquire Bassett Computer Systems in North Haven in 2000 and spin off a search engine optimization company called Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions.

Q. What does Forza do?

A: Two things, actually. We do network integration, which allows companies that have from one to 100 computers workstations share systems and talk to each other. We setup up, stage and support. These days there are a lot of security issues –concerns about viruses, spam and malware (a catch-all term for various types of software that can cause problems; also called malicious code) that all have to be addressed seriously and taken care of, especially in a business environment.

The other side of the business is software development. For instance, we do work for V.I.C.E. Script in Cheshire that allows them to read vehicle identification number information etched in car windows. They can access details about the car or truck – including whether it’s been stolen – from anywhere. We also developed dementia drug testing software for Pfizer Inc. The software allows patients to be tested before and after taking a drug to evaluate its effectiveness on Alzheimer’s patients. We also work with attorneys on computer forensics, or hard drive recovery of emails and other evidence.

Q: There has been some talk by technology experts lately that viruses are being created faster than the technology to block or remove them. Is this true?

A: We like to say we’re on the proven edge of technology, as opposed to the cutting edge. We want them to say it’s been proven. We don’t try things if we are not sure they are going to work, and we are constantly keeping up with new technologies.

In the United States, we have tighter laws against virus developers than in Eastern Europe and Asia. But we now have whistleblower laws that generously reward those who report abuses. The people who write these viruses should be treated like arsonists and punished. They are taking down networks and systems and it’s not for financial gain.

Q: You have been named to the Connecticut Technology Council’s Fast 50. How did you grow so quickly?

A: Surrounding myself with smart people. Knowing how to treat clients, client referrals and the Basset acquisition and how to work hard. My father Paul Pannone came here at age 16 with $20 in his pockets. I am the first generation of immigrant parents. My sister recently passed away, and all of that teaches you something – to work hard. I went almost a year and a half with no salary [in the beginning of Forza].

Alot of the companies that were here in 2000 are gone. Many, like myself, were good with technology, nut not in business. Again, I surround myself with people who are smarter than I am. We are also a Microsoft gold partner, one of the few in the state, and are constantly evaluating Microsoft’s software and telling them you need to fix this or that. We stay on top of the newest technology to better serve our customers. We have about 100 regular ones.

Q: What does the future hold for Forza?

A: We want to continue our strong customer service, and our ability to stay nimble. Larger companies can’t make decisions as quickly. We are also looking at other network integration firms. We wanted to look at smaller firms that may be working too hard and not seeing results. Again, I have smart people looking at stuff.