AIGS, the new local distributor for Progress Software and EasyAsk, was officially unveiled last week.
The new company, Albi Investment Group Services (AIGS), focuses on consulting in the SOA space.
Headed by former Progress Software SA MD Rick Parry, the idea behind AIGS arose from the decision by Progress Software to change its model from a local office to a distributorship.
Parry won the distributorship based on his more than two decades' experience with the company and its products.
“We were overwhelmed with the support we received from such a wide range of parties,“ says Parry. “We could not have hoped for a better launch and introduction to our market, and the market as a whole.”
Parry has been involved with Progress for more than two decades, from his time with then distributor Realtime, headquartered in Cape Town; the introduction of Progress Software proper to SA; and now AIGS's appointment as distributor.
The company is also the distributor for EasyAsk, the natural language search and query software.
“Whatever you do, you've got to have fun and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to do something that I want to do, everyday,” said Parry at the launch event.
Planning ahead
US-based Progress Software provides infrastructure for applications such as ERP and financial trading in industries including retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, financial services, and government.
In the middle of last year, the US-based company downscaled its direct presence in countries outside North America and Europe.
Parry explains, before Progress moved ahead with restructuring last year, he approached it to distribute its products in the local market.
By February this year, AIGS had already secured R40 million worth of annuity revenue, according to Parry.
Shift to the cloud
He believes there is room for a consultancy such as AIGS, because the software market is shifting to cloud-based applications instead of physical boxes “that sit on the shelf and don't deliver solutions”.
AIGS has signed up the local rights to a range of Progress Software offerings, including the OpenEdge application platform, the Sonic enterprise service bus, and service-oriented architecture management solution Actional.
“Progress continues to surprise customers and partners,” says Parry, “and we have no doubt that AIGS will deliver on its brand promise. We are now well and truly on our way, and we look forward to taking our partners and customers with us on a voyage of 'delight @work'.”
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