Former Progress Software SA MD Rick Parry is launching a service-oriented architecture (SOA) consultancy, after the global company restructured last year and shut down its local branch.
Parry says the new company, Albi Investment Group Services (AIGS), focuses on consulting in the SOA space.
About two-thirds of Progress Software's local staff members have found new jobs at AIGS, which currently has 10 staff members, notes Parry. He says the transition to back distributorship, which had been Progress Software's model in the local market about a decade ago, was seamless.
US-based Progress Software provides infrastructure for applications such as ERP and financial trading in industries including retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, financial services, and government.
It has more than 1 800 staff globally and, for the year to November, turned over $529.1 million, a 7% increase on 2009. 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. Parry also represents natural language search and query software EasyAsk.
AIGS has already secured R40 million worth of annuity revenue, says Parry. 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.
Parry says the non-exclusive deal allows the company to incorporate complementary products into its offerings. “The new business has given us all an excellent opportunity to really make a difference in our sector.”
Share