Protus IP Solutions

Protus IP Solutions Inc. was an Ottawa-based provider of communication tools delivered as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, primarily targeting small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise clients. Founded in 1997 by University of Ottawa graduates Joseph Nour and Simon Nehme, the company established itself as a significant player in the outsourced communications market.

The company's business model revolved around subscription-based services, which generated a loyal customer base of over 500,000 subscribers by 2010. Its core offerings included a suite of communication products designed to be affordable and effective. The product line featured MyFax, an internet fax service that became its most successful product, accounting for approximately 81% of its revenue. Another key product was Campaigner, an email marketing platform, and My1Voice, a virtual phone service. This suite of tools enabled businesses in sectors like finance, insurance, real estate, and healthcare to manage their communications effectively.

Protus experienced significant growth, backed by venture capital firms starting in 1999, including BEST Funds, BMO Capital Corporation, and Celtic House Venture Partners. After a period of legal disputes with its competitor, j2 Global, over patent infringement, Protus was ultimately acquired by j2 Global Communications, Inc. in December 2010. The all-cash deal was valued at approximately CDN$213 million. At the time of the acquisition, Protus had generated around $72 million in revenue in the preceding 12 months.

Keywords: Protus IP Solutions, SaaS communications, MyFax, Campaigner, My1Voice, internet fax, virtual PBX, email marketing, SMB communications, Joseph Nour, Simon Nehme, j2 Global acquisition, venture-backed, Ottawa tech, communication tools, business phone service, online fax, fax by email, unified communications