Tesseract specializes in the design of software (both application and embedded) and electronic hardware. Disciplines range from compiler and linker design through analog electronics and a range of software and electronics between these extremes. The group comprises several proprietary limited companies, each targeted at specific areas within the technology domain.
Our approach to software and hardware development, combined with the specific skills we offer as a small but highly qualified technology company, dictate that our target products are carefully chosen and aimed at segments of the market we perceive to be poorly addressed or lacking certain technological innovations. Our development staff encompases a wealth of experience and academic knowledge, across a broad spectrum of technology and research domains. Where necessary, we draw on a list of highly qualified consultants to assist us in solving particular problems.
Early beginnings
Our initial experiments in software were on the Microsoft DOS platform, on which we released several applications including a comprehensive configuration management / product data management suite. Simultaneously, our research in hybrid semiconductor / vacuum tube electronics resulted in a first audio product - a Digital to Analogue converter launched in 1992.
Transition to Windows
Once Windows NT stabilized (around 1995), our first GUI products were released. These included both financial and product-centric information systems.
Expanding Audio
By 1996 we had finalized the design of our first hybrid audio amplifier, a high-power monoblock with vacuum tube gain stages and solid state output. This was the last audio development for some years, as focus shifted to research in embedded processors and digital electronics.
Refinery Management
During 1996 Tesseract started consulting to a precious metals refinery, who were in the process of redesigning their entire business management system. Despite our best efforts, it soon became clear that the contractors employed for the project were incapable of delivering a working system. In early 1997, Tesseract was appointed as the software house responsible for designing and implementing the Refinery system. By 1998 we launched the Refinery management application, a large-scale information system with wide ranging functionality covering the entire Refinery requirement from precious metals management through financial control and reporting. This application relied on an Oracle database, an experience which dictated the direction of the software division for many years to come.
Database Development
As a result of our experience with Oracle, a decision was taken in 2002 to design a database more applicable to modern software needs. The concept of Lava Distributed SQL emerged from several months of research and experimentation, following which an intensive design and implementation project resulted in the launch of the first release of the database in 2005.
Software Environment
The demands resulting from the highly intricate and expansive software project centred around the Lava Distributed SQL Database compelled us to revisit and eventually re-invent the Development Environment. By 2006 the Blueprint Development Environment resulted from a new look at mechanisms and interfaces required by modern software engineers.
Speaker design
After many years of experimentation, prototyping and testing, we finally arrived at an acceptable electro-accoustic transducer - the full-range ribbon speaker. The first working prototype was constructed in 2007, resulting in a range of speaker products constructed by our joint venture company Thomas Rogoff Audio.
Integrated amplification
Synergy between digital control and analog electronics provided us with a digitally controlled fully integrated amplifier, including Digital to Analog conversion through to final amplification in a single cabinet. The first product release of this all-semiconductor design resulted in 2008.
Over the years our customer list has become a significant cross-section of the topmost level of South African industrial companies. The most significant are :
| Grintek System Technologies | Member of the Grintek group |
| African Defence Systems | Member of the French Thales group |
| Alcatel Altech Telecomms | Member of the Alcatel / Altech group |
| Reutech Defence Industries | Member of the Barlows group |
| Energy Measurement Systems | Member of the Siemens group |
| General Computing | Member of the French ATE group |
| Telkom | Largest South African Telecomms provider |
| Rand Refinery | Largest gold refinery in the world |
| Prim product foods | World-wide supplier of powdered soft drinks |
| Diatronic Equipment | World-wide supplier of diamond cutting machines |
| Goulas Electronics | Leading designer/manufacturer of car alarms |
| Denel | Leading South African arms manufacturer |
| Cement factories in Africa | Members of the French LaFarge group |
| Duro Pressings | Leading South African manufacturer of building components |