50 Years of Innovation!
Finnigan USA was formed in 1987 by Paul F. Finnigan to provide consulting services in communications technologies includes strategic planning, business development and applications design. Paul's wife Nancy was a loyal partner, raising 4 children and supporting Paul's role in early development of computer technology. Nancy and their daughter Suzanne eventually became partners in FUSA participating in client engagements and worldwide conferences for the Internaitonal Voicemail Association where Paul served as President from 1983 to 1999.
Finnigan graduated from San Jose State University in 1956, having secured his degree as a tabulating equipment operator in the IBM Data Processing Center at Sunsweet Growers. Finnigan was later enrolled in the Masters program at Santa Clara University.
Over the next 10 years Finnigan became an expert in programming IBM computers and in 1965 joined SRI International as Systems Director and Controller, subsequently serving in the consulting organization. In 1970 he joined the consulting firm of McKinsey and Company serving their clients worldwide in the introduction of computer networks and information systems.
From 1971 - 1979 Finnigan served as President of the medical division of Systems Industries developing and marketing a computer based patient reporting systems for the clinical laboratories in hospitals and private clinics.
In 1979 Finnigan founded Voicemail International, introducing the first public Voicemail services in the U.S., Europe, Scandinavia and the Pacific Rim. Finnigan served as Chairman, CEO and President until 1987 when VMI's telecom grade platforms were operating by telecoms in 35 centers and 14 countries and VMI’s trademark “Voicemail” had gained worldwide adoption and recognition that remains to this day.
In 1987, Finnigan cofounded the International Voicemail Association, conducting annual conferences attended by CEOs from over 200 telecommunications companies worldwide. During the followng 20 years Finnigan USA provided consulting services to telecommunication companies, voice equipment vendors, newspaper publishers, computer manufacturers and patent litigators. Its its final four year FUSA coordinated third party voice application developers for the Microsoft Corporation.
In 2000, FUSA provided patented core technology in the founding of Netnumber.com, a network service provider serving major wireless operators worldwide! The company's first
"number portabiity" application allowed subscribers to keep their phone numbers when they changed carriers.
Paul Finnigan is the named inventor on numerous patents, several of which deal with the evolving telephone technologies and the issues that impact telephone subscribers today! Personally, Paul is a licensed pilot with instrument and high performance aircraft ratings, an auto racing participant, expert in snow and water skiing, boating and a wood working artist.
Paul and Nancy Finnigan retired in Eagle Idaho where they enjoyed sharing the adventures of their four children, 23 grandchildren and the growing number of great grandchildren..