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Forza defines customized software

Mary Ellen Godin, Record-Journal, Friday, February 12, 2000

Wallingford - When Yale University's Psychology department needed to trace the response of monkeys to a new drug, they called on Joseph Pannone to design the software.

Pannone set up key codes for apelike behaviors ranging from scratching to screeching. After dispensing the medicine, a technician monitored the monkey's reaction and hit the corresponding key. The collected data helped the department establish a baseline on the drug's possible side effects.

"That was exciting," said Pannone, as he demonstrated a few of the behaviors the group was responsible for tracking.

It's a few years now since the monkey test at Yale, but Pannone continues to enjoy helping clients get precisely what they need from their computers. His business, Forza Technology Solutions, works with small businesses in need of specially made software, Fortune 100 companies such as MasterCard International that must connect hundreds of employees on a single network, and everything in between.

His first job was writing software for Philips Medical Systems Inc. in Shelton. He later moved into a one room office on Center Street and took on employees from the area. Three years ago, Pannone relocated to 329 Main St. in Yalesville, and has helped launch a spin-off business, Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions, a Web hosting/consulting group. Combined, the two businesses have 13 employees and occupy five suites on the upper floor.

"We share experiences and expertise," said Pannone. "When they need to provide comprehensive programs and we need an Internet site, we team together."

Forza Vice President Jon Walworth, an engineer by trade and consultant for FIP Corp. of Cheshire, joined Pannone recently.

Walworth brings his marketing and community contacts. He said, a key to the company's continued expansion is its aggressive style and its programmers' ability to spend time with a client to determine what is needed before any work begins.

"A lot of people have computers at home and they think they can put 5 or 10 in at work and it's going to be the same," said Walworth.

Forza-Bassett is a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider which means it successfully met Microsoft's standards and can build on Microsoft's operating systems to meet a client's needs. This gives Forza-Bassett added strength, said Pannone. But Forza-Bassett is not Microsoft exclusive because sometimes Microsoft may not offer a solution, he added.

Pannone who grew up in Wallingford, and Walworth, who lives here, are committed to the community and have spent hours teaching area youngsters about the many aspects of computer careers. The company also has devised software for the Parks and Recreation Department and has linked several libraries.

The two companies are also in touch with the business community: Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions maintains a Web site for the Quinnipiac Chamber Commerce and Pannone is active in the chamber's school-to-career program.

"They are both very professional companies that have survived in an atmosphere where a great many companies have not," said chamber President Robin Wilson. "We've received very good reviews from the people who have dealt with them."

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