Itech startup of the month.

• Author: Peterson, Eric

STATERA INC., ENGLEWOOD

www.statera.com

FOUNDED: MARCH 2001

INITIAL LIGHTBULB: Statera, the Latin word for "balance," is the brainchild of founder and President Brad Weydert. A 15-year veteran of the Denver-area IT consulting scene -- he founded, fostered, and eventually sold Raymond (James Consulting earlier in his career -- Weydert saw tech consulting as a means to leverage his familiarity with the local landscape. "We've worked for small, regional firms and we've worked for large, global firms, but what we love is working locally," he explained, noting that Qwest, Coors, and Corporate Express are on Statera's overwhelmingly in-state client roster.

While many businesses have pushed their needs for IT consulting to the back burner during the economic slowdown. Weydert isn't fazed. "I think we have a last-mover advantage," he said. "There's incredible talent out there. Three years ago, we couldn't find resources. Today, we have probably 20 applicants for every open position and we can hand-pick the best."

IN A NUTSHELL: Statera consultants have a quartet of core competencies: Web and wireless application development, enterprise integration, data analytics, and IT recruitment services. Working for companies from a diverse set of industries -- including finance, oil and gas, travel, and telecommunications -- Statera develops custom business solutions and helps clients migrate from outdated tech systems to more modern ones.

"Most of our clients look to us because we bring in people with highly specialized skills," said Weydert. Statera has established partnerships with a who's who of the IT industry, including Microsoft, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, IBM, and BEA Systems. Additionally, Statera hopes to help companies train employees via Statera University, an e-learning program it developed in conjunction with local e-training startup IQDestination. "[Clients] can't afford to do training the traditional way, so they're looking for other options," Weydert said. Since March, Statera has hired more than 30...