40 Years of Purpose-Built
Education Technology for Schools and Libraries.
For over 40 years, Functional Solutions International has backed schools and libraries with the tools, training, and support they deserve — powered by a mission that education is a right, not a privilege.
Our Story
It Started with a Gift to a School
Our founder, Michael Fernandez, grew up in an orphanage in India. When he immigrated to Australia in the 1970s, education gave him a future. That belief — that education changes lives — has shaped every decision FSI has ever made.
FSI began as an IT consulting business. Michael was invited to advise on a library system for his children's school and was astonished by the cost and complexity of what was being proposed. He offered to build a better system himself — as a gift to the school, pro bono.
That system impressed the librarian so much they shared it with others. Word spread, schools started calling, and FILMS (Functional Integrated Library Management System) was born — along with our founding model: no upfront costs, all-inclusive support.
FILMS evolved through e-Library and SmartLibrary into SmartSuite, our flagship library management and information management platform. In 2010 we launched TV4Education — a curriculum-aligned video library now home to over 180,000 educational videos. Today, FSI is led by Quentin Fernandez — Michael's son, current Managing Director, and second generation of this mission.
"Education is a right, not a privilege."
Michael Fernandez
Founder, FSI (Functional Solutions International)
Quentin Fernandez, current Managing Director and second generation, has been with FSI for over 18 years — continuing the mission while driving product innovation and community programs.
In Michael's Own Words
Hear the story from
the founder himself.
Michael explains why he built FSI, what drives the mission, and why access to education has been at the heart of everything we do for over 40 years.
Our Mission
To empower education by championing
the people who shape it.
We build library management software, education technology, learning platforms, and educational video libraries that reduce workload so librarians, teachers, and school leaders can focus on what matters — students.
What We Build
We Make the Tools. You Make the Impact.
Library Management System
SmartSuite
Our flagship, all-inclusive library management and information management platform — cataloguing, circulation, SmartSearch discovery, SmartStocktake, and more. Built for primary, secondary, K–12 schools, private libraries, tertiary libraries, special libraries, and more.
Curriculum-Aligned Video Platform
TV4Education
Over 180,000 ad-free, curriculum-aligned educational videos for classrooms, libraries, and school leaders. Safe, engaging, and built for learning — not entertainment.
Education Supplier Network
FSI Marketplace
Connecting schools with trusted, Australian-owned education suppliers and exclusive discounts — helping librarians lead smarter school purchasing and stretch budgets further.
Where School Libraries Connect
FSI Community
A place for librarians and educators to connect, share ideas, and help school libraries thrive. See the latest updates, share resources, engage students — and yes, there's a direct channel to our Head of Product Strategy to shape what we build next.
Support
Real Support.
Real People.
No bots. No outsourcing. No ticket queues that disappear into the void. Just unlimited support from our friendly, Australian and New Zealand-based team — whenever you need it.
All training is included in your annual subscription because we know the value of your investment. Book as many sessions as you need, get a PD certificate each time, and access our full library of help articles and video tutorials at any time.
We don't just sell you software and walk away — we stay with you, onboard your whole team, and keep improving based on what you tell us.
Unlimited Human Support
Call or email as many times as you need. There's no limit and no extra charge.
PD Certificates Included
Every training session earns a professional development certificate for your records.
Data Hosted in Australia
All systems and data are hosted in Australia. Secure, compliant, and always in your control.
ST4S Safety Assessed
Independently assessed for student safety and data security by ST4S.
Community
Giving Back to the Sector That Raised Us
FSI exists because education changed the life of our founder. Giving back isn't a side initiative — it's core to who we are.
FSI Scholarship Program
Educator-nominated scholarships that recognise students showing resilience, growth, and potential — not just grades. We believe in real stories.
FSI Connect
In-person and virtual events bringing library staff, teachers, and decision-makers together to collaborate, share practice, and build community across schools.
FSI Marketplace
Helping schools stretch their budgets by connecting them directly with Australian-owned education suppliers and exclusive discounts — giving librarians more buying power.
40+
Years in Education Technology
500,000+
Daily Users Across SmartSuite & TV4Education
180,000+
Ad-Free Educational Videos
Millions
Of Records Handled by SmartSuite Globally
We're Not Just Selling You Software
We tailor the package to meet your needs — and we stay with you every step of the way. Let's have a conversation.