Qirx

Welcome to 2026! 👋

Hope the break did what it was supposed to do.

It’s that time of year when tech trend predictions are everywhere again.

AI.
Zero Trust.
Cloud.
Automation.
Cyber.

All interesting — but also a bit removed from the day-to-day reality for most teams.

So over January, we’re taking a different approach.

We’ll look at the big trends everyone’s talking about and break down what they actually mean in real life — in busy environments, with limited time, real constraints, and systems that still need to work tomorrow.

No hype.
No buzzwords.
Just practical, plain-English insight into what really changes and what genuinely helps.

One trend at a time.
First one coming soon.

🎉 Congratulations to Chris Randall, who has officially achieved NCSX (Nutanix Certified Sales Expert) status.

This is a significant milestone — it’s the highest sales certification Nutanix offers to its partners. To be considered, candidates must be nominated by a Nutanix Channel Sales Manager and then successfully present to a panel of Nutanix experts.

This achievement reflects Chris’s deep understanding of Nutanix’s vision, his ability to articulate real value to clients, and the trusted relationships he’s built along the way.

At Qirx, we’re not about certifications for the sake of wall space. We’re about making sure our clients get the right advice — from people who genuinely understand the tech and the business needs behind it.

Chris’s new certification is one more way we ensure our team stays sharp, relevant, and ready to have real conversations about how to solve the challenges our clients face every day — using smart, scalable solutions like Nutanix.

Well done, Chris — this is great news for you, and for the organisations we support.

You don’t build a business like Qirx overnight. You build it moment by moment—through leadership that listens, decisions that put people first, and a stubborn belief that technology should empower, not overwhelm.

A few weeks ago, we marked 25 years of Qirx. But what we’re really marking is the legacy that Denis and Linda Stevens created—and continue to live every day.

What started in a motorsport garage with Denis blending tech savvy and a love of speed has grown into a trusted IT partner for businesses across Canberra, Sydney and southern NSW. Back in 2000, Denis shifted gears and brought that same innovation and drive to the world of IT. The rest, as they say, is history. Together, Denis and Linda shaped a company culture that still guides how we work, how we treat each other, and how we show up for our clients.

Denis now enjoys the role of Chairman, continuing to innovate - and popping in regularly to test the coffee machine!

🌱 From little things, big things grow...
A Paul Kelly classic, and a perfect way to describe Qirx. What Denis and Linda started 25 years ago—with vision, heart and a whole lot of grit—has grown into something bigger than just a business. It's a culture, a community, and a team of brilliant people who carry that spirit forward every day. Qirx is what it is because of them, and all of us are inspired and challenged to keep building on the foundation they so carefully laid.


Denis Stevens Nick Winch Matthew Hadfield

We are super excited to introduce Asmita, who joined us recently as a Technical Consultant.

Asmita has hit the ground running with curiosity, energy, and a genuine passion for helping others.

What we’ve learned about Asmita so far:

💻 She’s here to grow and give back – Eager to learn, quick to support others, and passionate about making a meaningful impact.

🧭 Authenticity is her superpower – Asmita is proud of staying true to who she is, even when it’s not the easiest path. That integrity shows in everything she does.

🎢 She’s got a fearless streak – Skydiving? Tick. World’s highest bungy swing? Tick. Everyday challenges? Bring them on.

🌶️ Spicy food, good vibes, and a touch of zen – From nature walks and chill workouts to full-on couch mode, Asmita knows how to recharge and bring balance to a busy world.

💬 Her mantra? “Stay curious, adapt with time, and never stop evolving.” That mindset fits perfectly at Qirx, where growth and innovation go hand in hand.

We’re thrilled to have Asmita on board and look forward to the energy, insight, and dedication she’ll bring to supporting our clients and partners.

Welcome to Qirx, Asmita!

⏳The Race Against the 48-Hour Clock

The moment a software patch is released, the countdown begins.

Many IT teams feel caught between the urgent need to patch and the reality of competing priorities, limited resources, and complex environments. Meeting tight deadlines like 48 hours for critical patches can feel unachievable.

The key is prioritisation and planning.

👉Identify which systems pose the highest risk if left unpatched.
👉Establish a patching schedule that accounts for critical vs. non-critical updates.
👉Document and communicate the process internally.
👉Aim for consistency, not perfection.

Patching doesn’t have to be perfect; it has to be good enough to reduce risk significantly. Many organisations are shifting focus from reacting to patch releases to proactively improving their internal patch management processes.

How does your team manage patching priorities under pressure?

We’ve had many insightful conversations with IT teams who are working through this same challenge. If you ever want to explore what good looks like, we’re always happy to share ideas.
https://hubs.ly/Q03lZySK0

🌟 Community Heroes in Action! 🌟

We are beyond proud of our very own Matt and Maddie, who selflessly volunteered their time last week in South East Queensland with the State Emergency Service (SES), helping communities affected by Cyclone Alfred. 🌪️💪

In times of crisis, it's people like Matt and Maddie who step up to make a difference—offering their skills, energy, and compassion to support those in need. Their dedication to community service is truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful to have such incredible individuals as part of the Qirx team.

A huge thank you to all SES volunteers and emergency responders across Australia who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed!

Let’s take a moment to celebrate and support our first responders — whether by donating, volunteering, or simply expressing our appreciation.

The holidays are over, the new year is well underway… so, what are your priorities for 2025? 🚀

School’s back (cue the collective sigh of relief from parents and guardians), work is in full swing, and those “we’ll sort it out in the new year” tasks? Well, it is the new year. No more putting things off—it's time to get moving!

2025 is already shaping up to be an interesting one. An election is on the horizon, businesses are shifting gears, and everyone is trying to turn plans into action. But before we rush ahead, let’s take a quick look back at 2024—because, let’s be honest, it was a whirlwind:

🔹 Cybersecurity, Privacy & Compliance – More threats, more regulations, and more late nights for IT teams trying to keep everything secure.
🔹 AI Hype vs. AI Reality – Once we all calmed down about AI taking over the world (spoiler: it didn’t), the real question became: how do we actually use it to make life easier?
🔹 Adapting to Change – Whether it was tech, policies, or the way we work, 2024 was all about keeping up.

So, now that 2025 is in full swing… what’s next?

✅ Are we finally making AI work for us instead of the other way around?
✅ Will businesses keep up with ever-changing regulations without losing their minds?
✅ And will cybercriminals take up a less disruptive hobby? (We can only hope.)

One thing’s for sure—there’s plenty to tackle this year. So, what’s on your priority list for 2025?

📞 Need help turning your 2025 plans into action? Let’s talk. https://hubs.ly/Q034-zC80

2025 is off to an amazing start as we welcome Kevin Sutherland to the Qirx team! Kevin steps into a key role, working to grow a thriving Qirx presence in Sydney/NSW. With his drive, experience, and innovative spirit, we’re confident this is the beginning of something incredible.

A Few Things to Know About Kevin:

🏴 Proudly Scottish: His love for his heritage runs deep (he even has HAGGI5 on his car plates!), but Sydney has his heart.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Man Extraordinaire: Kevin’s greatest pride is his family, spanning Scotland and Sydney, including a PhD academic, two nurses (one about to become a mum!), and a hospitality GM.

🎸🎸 Electric Bass Enthusiast: He’s proof you’re never too experienced to learn something new—still taking lessons every week and rocking the groove! - And here is something that not many people know - Kevin got his nickname from the original bass player in ACDC - if you want to know what it is - hit him up for a chat!

🕰 Wise Words: “If you wouldn’t do it in a queue at the post office, don’t do it in a car!” A timely reminder that patience and mindfulness go a long way—whether you’re navigating traffic or tackling big projects at work.. Kevin’s motto, “The more you practice, the luckier you get,” also reflects his belief in preparation and persistence, cornerstones of success at Qirx.

We couldn’t be more excited to have Kevin join our crew, especially as we embark on such an exciting year.

Welcome to Qirx, Kevin—here’s to hitting all the right notes in 2025! 🎸✨

We’re excited to welcome Owen Wu to the Qirx crew as our new Technical Consultant! 🎉

He is excited to dive in and collaborate with a team that not only delivers exceptional service to customers but does so with a genuine smile. 😊

Owen brings a unique perspective, shaped by a life of exploration. He’s proud of his willingness to step out of his comfort zone, whether it’s living in a different country, switching industries, or even teaching snowboarding in Japan - how cool is that! 🏂

When he’s not diving into tech solutions, you’ll find Owen on the football pitch or futsal court, playing for Belnorth Football Club and ANU Futsal. ⚽

🚀 His guiding philosophy? “Stay hungry, stay foolish”—a reminder to always keep learning, embrace innovation, and have the courage to explore new possibilities—values that drive our mission to deliver better solutions, every time.

Please join us in giving Owen a warm welcome. We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make!

🚀 Say hello to our newest team member, Xayah Winters – a Technical Consultant with a flair for adventure.

Xayah is stepping into her role with a passion for technology and a shared love of great humour—making her a perfect fit for the Qirx culture. Here’s a little more about the talented individual we’re excited to welcome:

🏹 Winner in Every Sense: Representing the ACT Barebow Recurve team, Xayah helped lead them to victory—a reflection of her dedication and focus.

🎭 Beyond the 9-to-5: Outside of work, Xayah’s a modern-day Renaissance woman—cosplayer, archer, fencer, ballet dancer, and even a weekend LARPer in medieval attire. Who says multitasking isn’t an art form?

🎶 Unexpected Talent: She’s surprisingly skilled at playing the recorder—yes, that recorder.

🧀 Guiding Motto: “Lactose intolerance won’t stop me from eating cheese.” That’s the kind of commitment we admire because determination comes in all forms!

Xayah, we’re delighted to have you on board and can’t wait to see how your unique perspective shapes our projects.

Please join us in welcoming Xayah to the team!

As 2024 wraps up, we just wanted to say a massive thank you to all our amazing customers and partners. You’re the real MVPs, and it’s been our absolute pleasure keeping the lights on (and the IT gremlins out) for you this year!

From solving those head-scratching tech pains to making sure your systems run smoother than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, we’ve loved being part of your journey. Whether it’s keeping classrooms connected, securing your data, or just making your day-to-day that much easier, you’ve made it all worth it.

Now it’s time for you to put your feet up, recharge, and enjoy the season with your favourite people. We’ll be here, ready to dive into 2025 and keep things ticking along with you.

🎉 Here’s to a fun, festive, and fabulously IT-friendly new year! 🎉

🌟 All the best from your mates at Qirx 🌟