Unraveling the mysteries of networking


Missoula's intraLogix is the purview of, from left, project manager Jeremy Flesch, president Doug Odegaard and software engineer Greg Grossi. LINDA THOMPSON/Missoulian

By LORI GRANNIS of the Missoulian
So goes the adage: You don't need to know how a car's engine fires to turn a key in the ignition and drive off.
Then again, you may always wonder.
That curiosity, coupled with a real need to make information systems within an organization more effective, is why Missoula-based intraLogix exists.
Doug Odegaard, president of intraLogix, admitted that software systems and information technology are areas of mystery for many, and helping people understand and access them is often a challenge.
"When people walk into an architect's office, the first thing they see are 3D models," said Odegaard, who is something of a software impresario. "It's really a challenge to explain our business." Having a three-dimensional model would be nice, he said.
Making information technology a more tangible, and less intimidating, concept is apparently an ongoing struggle.


Fortunately, intraLogix staffers are adept at bridging the gap between the needs of the middling crowd and the vast steps that technology continues to take. It just may be what keeps an otherwise awkward relationship between techno-fiends and average Joes seamless.
Odegaard and his two tech partners ­ project manager Jeremy Flesch and software engineer Greg Grossi ­ understand that concept each time they encounter a new business with a need for custom software solutions or troubleshooting.
"The fact is, it's not everyone's business to know software. Company presidents and CEOs aren't in the trenches on a daily basis," said Flesch. "It comes down to being able to assess the lack and boil it down to a simple solution."
Assessing lack and boiling that down to a solution isn't always easy to do with customers, which is why, when Odegaard and Flesch meet with prospects, the first thing they do is listen.
"The second thing we do is ask them to describe their business process to us," Flesch said.
"We take that business process and apply appropriate technology through trying to imagine the best way to capture customers and needs for a database," said Odegaard, finishing Flesch's sentence.
Odegaard often finishes sentences started by his colleagues. The easy synergy that exists between them is one of the reasons the firm is making big waves in Montana's IT scene, and soothing more than jangled nerves.
Intuitive solutions, after all, are the earmark of sound practice in an otherwise confusing field, and what the young firm prides itself on being able to craft.
With a well-earned reputation for being able to solve difficult IT problems at reasonable prices, intraLogix also keeps an eye trained on affordable answers.
"We want to provide our customers with the highest return on investment," Odegaard said.
It's an ongoing goal to make the IT world more accessible to both small and big business.
Odegaard does this, he said, by talking to clients in their own language and making constant clarifications to create intuitive, smart solutions to fit individual needs and solve unique problems.
When ELM Locators and Utility Services outgrew the software systems that map locating services across 16 states from coast to coast, they needed a system to absorb their current customer base, and interface with national locating databases and new business. Nothing like it existed, and that was a problem.
"We developed a system for ELM that allowed them to part out customer information in order to generate locating tickets automatically," Odegaard explained.
"It made us a stand-alone solution," said Josh Hinrichs, chief information officer for ELM. "We're no longer relying on third-party solutions for information functions. We're able to do all of this with proprietary software that we own," he added.
If keeping things simple is the goal of all IT endeavors, it's a veritable mantra for intraLogix staff. Software engineer Greg Grossi understands how to make technology user-friendly: by taking the elements of discovery in client meetings and spinning those into straightforward mechanisms that alleviate stress and workload for the client.
"Google is the epitome of simple software. It's so basic, it's beautiful," Grossi said. "We try to keep things just as basic for our customers in everything we do, as well."
It doesn't hurt being a Microsoft shop either. Microsoft is a leader not only in end-user computer technology but, Odegaard said, also in the IT tools they provide industry professionals.
"Microsoft technology enables us to create tools and applications that are less manual in terms of forming solutions for clients," said Odegaard. "They are also much more rapid and cost-effective."
Clients who know little about IT and all of its many possible applications for running a tighter ship aren't the only people intraLogix serves.
"We also work closely with our client's IT departments, and partner in sharing the best ways to do things," said Odegaard.
Broad-based partnerships are also a key ingredient in keeping intraLogix on pace with current technology, and allows the firm to achieve the best possible customer service.
"We regularly partner with other IT companies that offer services in the areas we don't cover," said Odegaard. "This makes both of us more competitive and able to service a client."
Partnerships also make technology more accessible to everyone, he said, and are a payoff of exponential value for any client.
IntraLogix has served clients, from the UM Pharmacy School, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and Community Medical Center, as well as Payne Financial Group and Guinea Medical Teams.
The firm also focuses 20 percent of its time on forming community partnerships, aiding nonprofits and faith-based organizations such as Missoula Youth Homes, Missoula Indian Center and Missoula Alliance Church.

Reporter Lori Grannis can be reached at 523-5251 or llgrannis@missoulian.com.