The Xorbix Virtual Experience

The Remote Journey of Xorbix Technologies

Author: Tom Campbell

13 August, 2024

I am sitting on vacation in Oregon after visiting a bunch of waterfalls and experiencing the beauty of the gorge region. Reflecting on how nice it is to be able to connect with the team when needed, I am reminded of the journey Xorbix Technologies has undertaken since its inception. 

Xorbix Technologies has been building software since the late 90s. For a long time, we had a nice office in downtown Milwaukee. It was the standard software company office with cubicles, servers, and bulletin boards. Companies would come to our offices, and we would gather requirements or show off designs. But somewhere along the way, we noticed that we were less and less in the office. The more connected we got, the less we needed to be there. 

The transition began slowly. Our servers moved to the cloud, a move that revolutionized our operations. With data securely stored and accessible from anywhere, we no longer needed physical space to house our infrastructure. Bulletin boards, once filled with post-it notes and drawings, went online, becoming digital hubs of activity and communication. As the digital transformation took hold, the necessity of maintaining a brick-and-mortar office waned, leading us to shut it down around 2015. This decision marked a significant shift as Xorbix became a fully virtual company. 

Initially, we adapted by holding meetings with clients at a shared office location. These physical spaces served as temporary anchors as we navigated the new terrain of remote work. As technology evolved, so did our methods of communication. We transitioned from physical meetings to virtual ones, first using Zoom and eventually adopting Microsoft Teams. While we still occasionally meet with clients face-to-face at their locations, most of our interactions now occur via Teams. When we first meet with companies, we like to have the camera on so they can see we are real people. Eventually, they get tired of looking at us, and we have meetings with the camera off. 

The shift to a virtual company has brought numerous benefits. One of the most significant is the elimination of daily commutes, freeing our team from the stress of traffic and the expense of eating out. However, the most profound advantage is the expansion of our talent pool. No longer constrained by geographic limitations, we can now hire talent from across the United States. Our team includes members from the Milwaukee area, Madison area, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and many other locations. This diversity has enriched our company culture and allowed Xorbix to find and develop exceptionally talented individuals. 

A common concern with remote work is the potential for employees to feel disconnected. At Xorbix, we address this by maintaining regular, meaningful interactions. We meet once a week on camera for our traction meeting, where we work on our growth or “Rocks” and take the time to kick back and joke around. These meetings are more than just operational check-ins; they are opportunities to foster camaraderie and ensure everyone feels part of the team. Our group of dedicated professionals work hard, care deeply about our clients, and still maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

The journey of Xorbix Technologies from a traditional office-based company to a fully virtual one has been transformative. Embracing the changes brought about by technology has not only streamlined our operations but also expanded our horizons, allowing us to bring together a diverse and talented team from across the country. As I sit here in Oregon, surrounded by natural beauty and reflecting on our path, I am filled with gratitude for the flexibility and connectivity that modern technology affords us. It is this adaptability and forward-thinking approach that will continue to drive Xorbix Technologies toward a bright and innovative future.