The cover line of the Apr/May issue says it all: “They Dare to think Different.” This Victoria, British Columbia-based company is redefining and expanding the boundaries of conventional Internet searching by tapping into geographical tags embedded in social media posts. Its location-based search platform provides users with access to worldwide posts from public networks such as Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Flickr and even VK, the Russian version of Facebook. All of which can be searched by location, keyword or username and mapped right down to a street address.
“These 10 winners are an inspiring group,” says Lise Gyorkos, whose company Page One Publishing produces Douglas. “Not only do they demonstrate innovation and a dedication to their businesses, they embody the entrepreneurial spirit that the 10 to Watch Awards were created to champion.”
The winners, announced at a ceremony on April 6th at The Union Club in Victoria, were selected by an independent panel of judges that included business owners and representatives of the University of Victoria Peter Gustavson School of Business and Royal Roads University School of Business.
Douglas noted Echosec’s value not only to public safety, security and journalism professionals, but also everyday users exploring their local scene or, in times of natural disaster or political unrest, those concerned for the well-being of loved ones in other parts of the world.
“Searchable info runs the gamut from ‘What are popular photos posted in Victoria?’ (Answer: Baked goods) to ‘Have Russian soldiers crossed into the Ukraine? (Answer: Yes, Echosec watched it happen on their platform).” – ‘2016 10 To Watch Winners.’ Douglas, Apr/May 2016
The Douglas article features a look inside Echosec’s unique and vibrant Fort Street office space, with a photo of one of the Whistler Mountain gondolas staff use as a meeting room. As well as a Q&A session with two of Echosec’s owners/principals, Karl Swannie and Michael Anderson.
Highlighting “the very best of Vancouver Island’s new businesses,” Douglas says that in selecting its 10 To Watch winners its panel wanted “more than the requisite passion. They wanted gusty innovation and the proven ability to think differently.”
Innovation has been a driving force behind Echosec, powering the company from its start as a four-person operation in 2013 to a current staff of 15 and a second office recently opened in Cardiff, Wales. Geotagging is now a worldwide resource and Douglas’s panel recognized Echosec’s dynamic and pioneering role in its utilization.
“Want to know who’s posting what on your street? Or the fallout from an ISIS attack? Or the buzz around a product launch? Echosec takes you beyond the nightly news straight to the people posting. It’s an eye opener.” – ‘2016 10 To Watch Winners.’ Douglas, Apr/May 2016
Note: Echosec will be exhibiting at the GeoINT Symposium in Orlando Florida in May where you can stop by the booth and get a live demo of Echosec Pro.
Source: Echosec
@echosec_search