About Platform Lab

Platform Lab is the nation’s only state-funded IT test & training facility; we provide a competitive advantage our clients by offering short term physical or remote access to IT hardware, software and massive bandwidth for all types of companies for the explicit purpose of IT testing and projects.

The value proposition is clear: if access to IT test infrastructure is exceptionally affordable, more companies will verify solutions prior to production. Robust testing leads to better processes, better people, higher quality applications, fewer mistakes and less waste from under-utilized assets. Platform Lab provides the best value -- for any company, anywhere -- to conduct IT test projects.

Primary uses of Platform Lab:

• Disaster recovery plan validation
• Load and stress testing
• Proof-of-concept testing
• Cluster computing
• IT Classroom Training

Clients list numerous benefits including the ability to:

• reduce project resource costs by 80% to 97%
• allow for vendor evaluation before committing to long-term contracts
• save time and labor when configuring a secure test environment
• use a greater number of performance and quality tools at a lower cost
• operate a more efficient, isolated test environment
• eliminate underutilized hardware and software
• avoid delays due to selecting, approving and purchasing resources
• validate disaster recovery plans without expensive travel considerations
• validate overload capacity without interrupting daily activities
• reduce project completion time through flexible resources
• avoid disruptions to ongoing projects and operations
• test new software and hardware before purchasing
• avoid purchasing additional software licenses for development and testing
• reduce capital expenditures associated with proof-of-concept projects

Steve Gruetter

Steve Gruetter has championed the valued technology resources available from Platform Lab since the company's inception in January 2002. Since becoming the non-profit organization’s business development director, he has successfully launched an outreach program within the Ohio technology community to educate and inform technology professionals about the practical, low-cost opportunities for technology development, enhancement, and advancement through Platform Lab. 

Steve has been a finalist for the TopCAT award for 'Outstanding Start-up Business' in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and is also a 2004 nominee for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Steve has partnered with the Columbus Technology Council to promote technology interest and education within central Ohio as he co-directs the continuing series of 'TechTalk'. Additionally, Steve is an active member of the Contingency Planners of Ohio, the Information Security Systems Association, the Data Management Association, the Association of Internet Professionals, and is recognized as a valuable contributor to the Ohio IT community.

Prior to joining Platform Lab, Steve worked in a similar capacity with two Columbus IT firms; he also worked for 10 years as a senior business analyst at Dun & Bradstreet in Los Angeles and Columbus. 

Steve graduated from The Ohio State University and he resides in Hilliard with his wife and two children.