“Navigating Through the Storm with Eyes-wide-open”

We talked to Regent Gravel on how Xceed helps developers save time, and this is what he had to say.

First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times? 

Regent Gravel: We are all doing fine even through these difficult times. Working from home has become a way of life for all, but it’s nothing new for our employees (it used to be only 2 or 3 days a week, before the pandemic). It represents a minor adjustment.

Tell us about you, your career, how you founded Xceed?

Regent Gravel: I am a B2B specialist with an extensive track record in sales and marketing of software and consulting services to Fortune 500-type corporations and large governmental organizations, especially in international markets. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, I have lived and worked in various Canadian cities and the USA and Mexico. I’ve been with Xceed Software for the past eight years, and I bought this 25-year-old company in October 2017 because I had in mind big projects for that software house whose reputation and products need to be known by many more people. 

How does Xceed innovate? 

Regent Gravel: We were the first to release a data grid control for WPF. Even Microsoft, at the time, did not include a data grid control with the framework. We initially offered our product for free to ensure that WPF adoption would not be limited due to the lack of this crucial control. Today, we also have JavaScript products to help our clients develop in a web-based environment. Our products (WPF, JS, .NET) are being used by hundreds of thousands of programmers worldwide (even Microsoft uses our data grid in Visual Studio). Recently Xceed has been involved in the development of tools in the AAA gaming industry. We have earned the trust of the best players in that field just as much as in banking and software development giants. We are also considering AI technology for the near future.

How the coronavirus pandemic affects your business, and how are you coping?

Regent Gravel: The pandemic has delayed the launch of a few products because we felt it was not the right time to introduce new technology to specific markets. We have determined that Q1 in 2021 would be an excellent time to go ahead with those new products. Our development team has worked hard and with good enthusiasm. We took that opportunity to develop new functionality and optimize our products at a higher level.

Did you have to make difficult choices, and what are the lessons learned?

Regent Gravel: We had to freeze hiring for some time. But, now, the winds of opportunity are there, we believe. So, back to our original plan.

How do you deal with stress and anxiety?

Regent Gravel: I’d say “as usual”! LOL. Stress can be transformed into a significant generator of energy, creativity, and determination.

Who are your competitors? And how do you plan to stay in the game?

Regent Gravel: A few giant corporations. We are much smaller in terms of capitalization. So, it is easier for us to change course (if necessary), apply modifications or new functionality, and so on. We are very flexible and consider our clients as friends.

Your final thoughts?

Regent Gravel: The COVID-19 has been a storm in which the more substantial, smarter, and more flexible players can succeed and even grow in business acumen.

Your website?

www.xceed.com