In 2022, we will be profiling .au members across a range of diverse industries and locations, to support virtual member networking.
Our latest .au member in the spotlight is Peter Brackstone, Founder and CEO at Influence IT Consulting. We hear from Peter about how a free, open and secure internet supports our national identity and is integral to ongoing technological development in Australia and globally.

Can you tell us about your company/role?
As founder and CEO of Influence IT Consulting, my expertise has been gained from more than 30 years delivering and supporting large scale business and IT transformational change programmes.
We provide a wide range of consulting services and software tools, including web design, development and hosting services, digital marketing and a wide range of complementary services for businesses. Most of our products integrate with one another to make it as easy as possible for non-techies to use!
Why do you choose .au?
We chose .au to better identify our business as an Australian company, to facilitate better and faster searching and to demonstrate our commitment to the Australian market.
How do you stay current on innovation and online trends?
We network effectively through organisations such as the Australian British Chamber of Commerce, Australian Philippines Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham). Our knowledge and expertise are maintained in the market through membership of auDA, industry and other related groups, local special interest groups and liaison and co-operation with other businesses. We have a commitment to education and excellence within our market of operation.
Why is a secure, open, free and global internet important to you?
With 30+ years of experience, I know the world without the internet. Whilst the internet has its challenges, it is one of the greatest inventions of mankind for communication and the dissemination of information and knowledge at all levels. Keeping the global internet free is key to the ongoing development of mankind and should remain so for the benefit of all.
Australia without the internet would be…
Like Ben without Jerry! The internet supports our national identity, keeps us connected to the rest of the world, and overcomes the vastness of the continent on which we live.