About

The B.I.T. Collective began as a collaboration between like-minded technicians, who shared the same frustration: IT partnerships could be done better. Smarter. More human.

After more than a decade operating under the amisIT brand, that belief proved true. The B.I.T. Collective (Business Information Technology Collective) is the natural next step — a more focused on business technology, more evolved model built entirely around partnership.

Over the years, we’ve formed long-term relationships with businesses that spent far too long searching for an IT team who understands how they work, what they’re aiming for, and how technology can support that rather than complicate it.

Today, Simon and Michael — backed by the wider Collective — deliver a partnership-driven approach where we integrate into your business the same way we manage our own. When you work with us, you’re not just a client; you become part of our team, and we become part of yours. Together, we align goals, tackle challenges, and build the kind of momentum you can feel and need.

To get a clearer picture of who we are, explore our Vision, Mission and Ethos, meet our Directors, and take a look at the areas we specialise in below.

Vision

To be a respected, top-tier IT partner for Melbourne SMEs — recognised for innovation, integrity, reliability, customer service and high standards.

Mission

To build trusted, professional and genuinely enjoyable IT partnerships with our clients and business partners.

Ethos

We’re a team of approachable IT professionals. We handle your technology so you can focus on running your business.

Cloud Computing

We’ve been helping businesses transition into hybrid and full-cloud environments since 2010.

With us, you get access to the latest platforms, integrations, customisation options and ongoing maintenance — all managed by a team who knows how to make these systems work for your business, not against it.

Security

Cyber security isn’t optional anymore — it’s a critical layer of business protection.
From MFA and geo-blocking to legacy service hardening and real-time alert monitoring, our partnership plans bring modern, practical security into your business without the jargon and fear-mongering.

It’s never a matter of if an attack happens. It’s when. Preparation is everything.

Mobility

Modern work requires secure access from anywhere, on any device, at any time.

We work extensively across multi-platform, multi-application environments and understand how to unify a workspace where staff use a mix of operating systems, cloud apps and third-party tools. If your people need to move, your technology should too.

Meet our directors

Simon Barker

Partnership Director

Simon’s background spans enterprise desktop support, application environments and years spent in the SMS industry throughout the 2000s, where he sharpened both his technical and people skills.

Over time, he narrowed his focus to what he does best: building strong, functional, long-term partnerships.

Today, he drives the Collective’s partnership philosophy — the idea that IT isn’t a service you drop in and out of, but a relationship built over time.

“We don’t see ourselves as resources or suppliers. We operate as part of our clients’ businesses. We’re invited to their Christmas parties, milestone celebrations — in some cases, we’re literally referred to as their IT team. That’s what real partnership looks like.”

“Our goal is simple: to redefine what an IT partnership can be. The technician shouldn’t be the one running your business, but enhancing the knowledge and capability of the people who do.”

Michael Counsell

Technical Director

Michael has always been drawn to technology — first through electronics, then through the fast-moving world of information systems. The pace, the constant evolution, and the problem-solving nature of IT are what keep him engaged.

As Technical Director, Michael oversees all technical operations, sets the Collective’s technical vision, and develops the team to stay ahead of an ever-changing industry.

“We’ve built a team with shared goals — to grow, to learn, and to support each other and our partners.”

“Quality IT partnership only exists when you connect with the people behind the problem. Technology shifts constantly, and if it can overwhelm even someone like me. Imagine how it feels for a business owner who doesn’t live and breathe this stuff. Our job is to make it understandable, achievable and empowering.”