Following its acquisition of Ardent Software last year, Informix has outlined how Ardent will be integrated into its operation. It also highlighted a roadmap for the future of its products.
Informix says the new structure has been designed to provide the best support for customers and channel partners.
"We have moved fast to allay any fears our channel partners and customers may have had that Ardent`s products were going to be phased out, or that Informix had no plans to continue development of the products," says Simon Jeggo, sales manager for Informix.
"Informix has set up a new division within the company to hold all Ardent`s data warehousing products to ensure customers are provided with support and regular new developments as we evolve the products to meet new market demands and incorporate new technologies."
Denzil de Klerk, previously the product manager for Ardent Software SA, will head this division in SA. "It`s business as usual for Ardent customers and partners," says De Klerk. "The only difference will be that Ardent is now part of the Informix group and therefore has access to greater research and development resources and enhanced technologies. The whole Ardent data warehousing team has been moved into the new division within Informix to provide a smooth transition for all our customers and partners."
The future of Ardent`s database offering, Universe, has also been secured with the outsourcing of the database and its associated services to Glotec Services, part of the Global Technology group. Jeggo says customers will gain additional benefit from this decision since the Universe support function has been outsourced to Glotec for some time, which means Glotec already has Universe skills.
Glotec will now handle all the administration functions for Universe, as well as technical support. "Customers who expressed concerns about Universe can feel assured that Informix is planning new developments and integration work on the database to ensure that a clear progression path is available for all Universe users," notes Jeggo.
"The company may have changed, but the people and processes are the same, with better backing from a larger company."
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