Ilesfay uses cloud to ease data transfer

The three co-founders of Cincinnati startup Ilesfay – who met working for Tri-State engineering firm Alexander & Associates – are continuing proof that Cincinnati is a growing ecosystem for innovation.

Chris McLennan, James Taylor and Joe Kramer started Ilesfay in 2009, after a combined 30 years of engineering experience. They had seen their clients at A&A struggle with information exchange while working on large projects.

For example, teams of people around the world could be contributing to the same project. Every time a small change is made to an engineering design, the teams have to exchange huge amounts of data – measured in terabytes. (For a bit of context: One terabyte equals 1,000 gigabytes. An average Blue-ray disc contains about 50 gigabytes). Right now companies transmit the data by leasing expensive fiber-optic lines or using virtual private networks (VPNs), which are not only also expensive but require a lot of manpower.

Ilesfay uses cloud-based service to replicate the data.

“We’ve created a patent-pending technology called ‘pre-emptive binary differencing,’” says McClennan, who is CEO of Ilesfay. “What we do is transfer only what has changed in the specifications. If one hole on the machine is moved, our software ferrets that out and conveys just that move. You don’t need to copy over the entire, huge document.

“That way you can use standard business Internet lines inexpensively – and get it there in a day instead of a week. Our technology replaces all of those point-to-point networks with a simple 'point to cloud' solution.”

Ilesfay has received a $350,000 investment commitment from CincyTech – a local seed-stage investor. The company is seeking an additional $150,000 investment to close this round of funding.

Also impressive – the company already has a contract with Procter & Gamble.

CincyTech Executive-in-residence Mike Venerable is impressed with the progress Ilesfay has already made. “They have market-changing technology and a knowledgeable team with deep domain expertise. And all this happened before even $1 of outside money was invested.”

By Sarah Blazak