Peaks of innovation: The story behind SECUTIX's release note names

Ever noticed that SECUTIX names all its release notes after mountains? There’s a unique story behind this tradition – a tradition that reflects our event ticketing company’s deep-rooted connection to its Swiss heritage and broader European identity.

In a chat with Marc Mazzariol, VP of Transformation & Technology at SECUTIX, we explored how this practice started, what it symbolises, and why it continues to inspire the team and clients alike.

Marc shared that the idea emerged in 2007 during the development of SECUTIX’s flagship platform, S-360. Inspired by Switzerland’s renowned precision and quality, the team wanted their release notes to reflect these values in a meaningful way. 

Release notes, which typically communicate updates, fixes, and new features in a product, are a crucial tool for keeping users informed and engaged. “We wanted to move beyond the generic 'Version 1' or 'Version 2' and infuse a sense of storytelling into our work,” Marc explained.

The solution? Naming each release after a Swiss mountain over 4,000 metres tall. These towering peaks not only celebrate the majestic beauty of the Alps but also symbolise the ambitious goals and challenges the team tackles with every update.

“Choosing a mountain over 4,000 meters is symbolic,” Marc shared. “It represents reaching great heights, and there’s an official list of such peaks, which adds a touch of exclusivity to our releases.” 

With 82 mountains meeting the criteria, each name carries its own legacy and story. For instance, the mountain Dufourspitze, featured in a recent release, is the highest peak entirely within Switzerland. Marc highlighted how it was chosen during a pivotal transition year to represent the team’s aspiration to scale new summits.

The tradition doesn’t stop at choosing a name. Marc explained how the team weaves the mountain's history or geography into the narrative of each release: “For example, in the years when we expanded to Italy, we chose mountains close to the Italian border. Or we tied the peak's features—like being steep or challenging—to what we were accomplishing that year.”

One standout was the use of the iconic Matterhorn, known globally as the inspiration for the Toblerone chocolate bar. "We chose it during a year of celebration, a nod to Switzerland’s identity and our own growth,” Marc noted.

Marc revealed that he has the privilege of selecting the mountain for each year—a responsibility he treasures. “In August, I make the choice, often discussing it with colleagues like Patrick Bertola, a skilled climber who shares his insights.” 

Once the name is finalised, the marketing team crafts a story around it, shared internally and externally to give clients a glimpse of the inspiration behind each release.

This tradition resonates deeply with clients, particularly those outside Switzerland, who enjoy exploring the peaks on a map or learning about their history. “There’s even a bit of humor involved in picking names that might be hard to pronounce—it adds charm to the whole process,” Marc chuckled.

For the SECUTIX team, it fosters pride and camaraderie. “It’s not just a name; it’s a reminder of our shared commitment to excellence and innovation,” he concluded.