about xonay

About Xonay

Michael Teeuw
Owner Xonay Media

Michael Teeuw started as an entrepreneur at a very young age. When he was 18, he started his first company alongside his studies: Michael Teeuw Automatisering & Design (2000) (Automation & Design). At a later stage, while working at Endemol, he set up the company Xonay Media (2004) that originated from his community of Xonay.

Thanks to his education in Technical Informatics in Utrecht, it became clear to Michael that he had a preference for the creative application of internet technology. In his first job at Endemol The Netherlands (2001), he could put this into practice, as a link between the graphic and the development department. At a later stage Michael became a researcher, making an inventory of the applications of new technologies for Endemol, for which he set up an internal development team. In his job at Endemol International (2007) he took care of the final advice for the use of different forms of digital media.

During his appointments, Michael had collaborated with a large number of well-known organisations in the world of digital media: Google, Cisco, Electronic Arts, Akamai, Apple, Adobe and a large number of well-known web agencies. For Endemol International, he collaborated with international companies in 26 countries, among which: The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the United States.

Internet accessible

"My goal is to make the internet more accessible for companies. The internet is an excellent way to create more business, provided that it is used correctly. However, it produces obstacles for many people. With Xonay Media I want to remove the threshold to take important steps in the use of digital Media. Many people can be put off by technology, and consequently miss out on many potentially interesting creative possibilities."

Looking further

"In some cases, companies start with the Internet options which they know and recognise. Whereas there are so many more possibilities besides that which are unknown or come across as threatening because of the professional use of language. A 'contact form' appeals more to one's imagination then 'user generated content'... I can explain this and reveal the options. That is when someone can make a choice, based on expert knowledge."

Internet hypes

"There are so many technical options which are simple and in many cases are even for free. Companies do not always use these because they are not familiar with these options. Businesswise, sites such as for example YouTube, Hyves and Twitter can be very handy in order to increase the communication between colleagues and to demand attention for a new development. Unfortunately, there are many people who only see it as entertainment, not as a commercial option. It is great to use as a promotional service: a small investment with a lot of success, when applied correctly."

New visitors

"In many cases, companies limit themselves to the use of a website, not addressing new visitors with this. Often only choosing the well-known use of banners, whereas joining online services can ensure an ongoing flow of new visitors!"

Future

"Of course without a good basis, in many cases of the website, you cannot take the next step. For example, sites such as Twitter and Hyves are interesting if you offer novelties. However, the basis must have a technical link with the services and sites which the internet offers. You must also remain open to matters which might be developed in the future. And join services which perhaps are not yet currently optimum."

Technology as a means

"Perhaps the most important of all: use the technology with an objective. Do not use technology for technology's sake and, do not use innovations to innovate. The idea behind it and the chosen route are the bases for the successful use of internet technologies."