Progress Software`s Annual Partner "Kick-off", which travels through Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Windhoek, was concluded on 12 February with the Progress Software awards dinner, where Progress recognised its partners for their success and loyalty to the Progress community in 2003.
"Each year we have two major events where we engage with our application partners throughout southern Africa. The first of these, the February `Kick-off`, is our way of thanking our partners for their commitment and loyalty during the previous year and also bringing them right up to date with our plans for success in the new year. The Partner Awards, which cover an assortment of categories, recognise outstanding achievements by our South African partners during the previous year. It is extremely gratifying to witness the excitement surrounding the nominations for these awards within the partner community, and to see the genuine pride exhibited by the winners," says Rick Parry, MD of Progress Software SA.
Local software developer Auto-Mate won the Partner of the Year award, and was also presented with the award for Top Revenue Performer.
Auto-Mate develops, maintains and supports dealer management software for the motor industry.
"We were given the Partner of the Year award because we have turned our company around and are now showing profit for the first time in two years," says Michael Botha, MD of Auto-Mate. "We have improved our internal processes and have spent R1.5 million on staff training. We are also involved in the community with our sponsorship of a home for HIV/AIDS orphans and abused children."
The award for Technical Innovation was given to Scion for its ability to deliver new competitive services and enhance business processes using Sonic Software.
Scion, using the Sonic ESB, has seamlessly linked business operations across Progress, and externally with partners. The architecture that has been established offers a flexible and adaptable platform for integration.
"If one looks at technological requirements today, Scion`s achievements relate back to how we define technological innovation: creative, innovative technologies or methods that enhance or improve business and technological performance," Parry says.
Progress`s recognition and appreciation of its partners continued with the award for Industry Sector Excellence. The 2003 award in this category went to Nicor Outsourcing for its work in the property market.
"During 2003 Nicor signed up six new clients," Parry says. "In the property market, where competition is huge and margins are low, Nicor has outdone itself."
The Strategic Vision Award was presented to R-Data for its work with the Promun Application. R-Data customised Promun, adding additional modules, and packaging it into a new application specifically focused on provincial legislatures.
"This application has already been instrumental in the much publicised detection of R10 million worth of travel fraud within the Parliamentary administration," Parry says. "One provincial legislator has also bought the application, with others showing great interest."
ICL`s achievement in revenue growth qualified the company for the Most Significant Revenue Growth award. ICL is a long-established Progress partner, delivering Progress-based solutions that are customised for local government.
Sys-Net was recognised for its longstanding partnership of 15 years with Progress, and a special award was given to Zimbabwean partner, Insurefin, for tenacity in the face of adversity.
"These awards are there to recognise the loyalty of our partners and their contribution towards Progress`s continued business growth. The fact that the awards dinner is attended by so many of our partners, including those not nominated for awards, is proof of the morale boost that it provides for our partner community, and hopefully it will help spur them all on to greater heights," concludes Parry.
Share
Editorial contacts