Two years after completing their 1994 7th form year at Kristin School Daniel Williams, Nigel Parker, Barry Latimer, Jonathan Fowler and another university friend (Stephen Hogg) came together to utilise their skills on the Internet. They formed their own company Web Drive Limited, while studying full time at Auckland University and Unitec. The five whose tertiary studies included systems design, database development, strategic marketing, management, law and graphic design found instant familiarity with the skills required for successful web development on the Internet and soon found themselves receiving high recognition from their peers in the industry. With some 90 clients Web Drive offers its customers a total online solution including connection set up, Web site planning, development and design, Web hosting, and other diverse services such as online retail systems and database-driven Web-based applications. At the end of 1997 Daniel who completed his New Zealand Diploma in Business, NZIM Advanced Diploma in Management and received the NZIM award for Most Promising Student, took the helm of the company as General Manager and the day to day running of the business, while Nigel, Barry, Jonathan and Steve completed their 4th year of study. In November of this year Nigel, Barry and Steve completed their Bachelor of Technology degrees, with first class honors, and recently joined Daniel at their new premises in Albany to work together full-time for the company.
			Jonathan who this year completed a Bachelor of Design at Unitec will be leaving the company to pursue his interests in 3D animation and seeking employment with a 3D animation studio such as Weta Studios in Wellington. Web Drive has come a long way since it's formation in late 1996, and now holds it's place amongst the most professional hosting companies in the country. With numerous awards, and their work receiving reputable mention in various media including Net Guide, Woman's Day, The New Zealand Herald and on TV2. This was further emphasised in the December 98 edition of Net Guide magazine where their article on web hosting placed 'Web Drive' between Xtra and Clear, describing Web Drive as'one of New Zealand's longer-established hosting services'. Daniel says, 'at a young age we've secured ourselves a place in the industry, which will prove valuable in our future careers. Many of our customers are surprised en we first meet with them, 90% of the time a mention of our age is made, but once we have worked with them they are always happy with the level of service they receive'. Contact Web Drive on 0800 932 374, info@webdrive.co.nz or on the Internet at www.webdrive.co.nz