Better Network Services Group (BNS) and SME Gateway have partnered to provide Australian developed Enterprise SMS solutions that meet the stringent security requirements of Australian government agencies. This collaboration between Australian companies demonstrates how local technology partnerships can effectively address government-specific communication needs.

SME Gateway: Breaking Down Barriers to Government Procurement

While developing secure technology is critical, navigating the complex procurement processes of government can be equally challenging. This is where SME Gateway has proven invaluable to the partnership.

“SME Gateway has enabled us to cut through the barriers of dealing with government panels, allowing our team to focus on what we do best – developing and testing our software,” explains Buchanan. “Their expertise in government procurement has been instrumental in bringing our solutions to market efficiently.” 

Dominic Hubble, Industry Engagement Manager at SME Gateway, emphasises the broader implications of this collaboration: “Working with BNS is laying down the foundations for SME Gateway to help software companies across Australia offer innovative solutions to government. By facilitating these connections, we’re strengthening the entire Australian technology ecosystem.”

BNS’s Enterprise SMS Server Software: Built for Government Security

At the core of this partnership is BNS’s Enterprise SMS Server Software, specifically engineered to adhere to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Secure Cloud Blueprint for implementation of Microsoft Purview. BNS’s Enterprise SMS Server software checks for allowed protective markings before a message is released to the public SMS network. This compliance ensures that government communications remain protected according to Australia’s highest security standards.

“Our development team has invested significant resources to ensure our solutions not only meet but exceed the security requirements mandated by Australian government agencies,” says Laurence Buchanan, CEO of BNS Group.

“The integration with Microsoft Purview provides comprehensive data governance and security capabilities that government departments require in today’s complex threat landscape.”

The cloud security achievements of BNS are particularly noteworthy.

Throughout 2024, BNS built and tested ASD secure cloud Blueprint settings with support from Microsoft’s ISV Success program. This testing environment has allowed BNS to refine its Enterprise SMS Server Software to address the specific security challenges faced by government entities.

Looking Forward 

As BNS launches its Enterprise SMS Server Software to Australian Government and large enterprise clients in 2025, the foundation established through this partnership will continue to drive innovation in secure communications.

“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” notes Buchanan. “Our roadmap includes expanding our secure communications portfolio while maintaining the highest security standards that government and enterprise clients expect.”

For SME Gateway, this partnership reinforces their commitment to connecting innovative Australian technology companies with government opportunities. “We see tremendous potential for replicating this model across various technology domains,” adds Hubble. “By bridging the gap between innovative SMEs and government procurement, we’re helping to build a stronger, more competitive Australian technology sector.”

About SME Gateway

SME Gateway specialises in helping small and medium enterprises navigate complex government procurement processes.

By providing pathways to government contracts, SME Gateway enables Australian technology companies to bring innovative solutions to the public sector while overcoming traditional barriers to entry.

About BNS Group

Better Network Services Group Pty Ltd (BNS Group) develops secure SMS & FAX solutions for Enterprise & Government. As an AWS RDS Service Ready Partner, Microsoft ISV Success Partner and TE-SYSTEMS Technology Partner, BNS delivers communication solutions that meet the highest security standards.