Brokat Technologies drives user-centric software into SA market

In a move that signals confidence in local e-commerce and m-commerce development, global software company Brokat Technologies has entered the SA market. The company, a leading provider of user-centric multi-channel software to the retail banking and broking industries in Europe and the USA, was recently ranked #1 Wireless Financial Services Provider by Celent Communications, a US-based analyst.

According to Angelo Maestrini COO of Brokat Technologies, there are parallels between Europe and Southern Africa`s speedy adoption of cell phones and mobile technology, as well as both regions` growing use of SMS messaging and their early dissatisfaction with WAP.

He said that SA has an advantage in its wireless consumer profile. Maestrini stresses that the mix in SA of a smaller high net worth consumer group coupled with a larger lower income population means there is a huge potential market for mobile access and commerce, especially, for those without PC or network access in rural or remote areas. "South Africa does not have a mass of obsolete technology holding it back from aggressively launching into m-commerce. Smaller countries can make the technology shift much faster as was the case in Italy where mobile started off slowly but grew aggressively in a short space of time," says Maestrini.

Internationally, Brokat Technologies has announced its new strategy and product offerings. This is based on its e-business infrastructure software, which focuses on the shift from enterprise centric to user centric e-business.

According to Maestrini user centric e-business is the process by which companies will be forced to adapt to the needs of the consumer. "Previously consumers had been forced to adapt to the needs of the enterprise. Brokat Technologies` new user-focused software will allow financial services companies, mobile service providers, e-business, information service providers and portals to focus around the needs of the user in SA via a mobile phone or device.

"Banks and telecomms will increasingly offer services like billing and mobile payments to consumers and act as `trust centres` where customer details and ID will be stored. Products and services need to be universally available for the consumer with mobility and multi-channel access being key," he added.

Paul McCarthy, MD of Brokat Technologies responsible for the UK, Middle East and SA said, "with SA following the global trend of bank consolidation and multi-distribution of services the timing is ideal for Brokat to launch into the local market."

He visited SA in March and has appointed a local country manager with plans to open offices later this year, a sign of Brokat`s commitment to the local market.

"Brokat Technologies is currently hiring local representatives for the company and speaking to existing clients of our acquired company Gemstone. These include FirstRand companies Rand Merchant Bank and Momentum Wealth. We will also discuss partnering with distributors and major system integrators."