JSE Securities Exchange-listed InfoWave`s acquisition of software solution provider ApplyIT from SA Bioproducts will boost ApplyIT`s focus on product innovation and expand the company`s footprint globally, says Gavin Halse, MD of ApplyIT.
The deal grows InfoWave`s share of blue-chip customers from the mining and manufacturing sectors, including Samancor Manganese, Mondi, AECI, Clover and Dulux, while ApplyIT benefits from the backing of a product-centric organisation for strategic market development locally and internationally. The transaction also results in ApplyIT being 26% black-owned.
Both KZN-based with roots in the process manufacturing sector, ApplyIT and InfoWave specialise in developing niche software solutions. Together they will form the largest IT solution provider in South Africa focused on delivering specialised solutions to the mining and process manufacturing industries.
"The injection of product-centric understanding InfoWave brings us will boost our business model of continued investment in product innovation and help us improve the functionality of an increasingly robust and comprehensive product set for our customers," says Halse.
The deal also brings technological synergies. As a Microsoft-certified partner, ApplyIT will provide InfoWave with a new technology platform. InfoWave`s use of Oracle and Java development platforms will enable ApplyIT to expand on its current Microsoft domain knowledge and cater for a wider variety of customers. ApplyIT will also have access to a well-established infrastructure for actively supporting global customers in real-time via remote lines.
"For our existing customers it will be business as usual. ApplyIT will continue to operate independently, we will retain our branding and our commitment to our customers will be as strong as it always has been. This deal improves the underlying strength of our organisation and provides a powerful, product-focused base that can help us get our products rapidly to market to achieve critical mass and continue to maintain a leadership position in the provision of world-class products and services to the mining and process manufacturing sectors," says Halse.
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ApplyIT is one of South Africa`s leading developers and implementers of software solutions for companies involved in process manufacturing. ApplyIT offers a range of specialised business applications to support an operating business, including asset management, SHE-Q (safety, health, environment and quality), supply chain and ERP.
ApplyIT`s solutions combine leading-edge technology with industry best practices and have been proven in a wide range of process manufacturing companies. ApplyIT has been developing and implementing software solutions in the chemicals sector since 1995. Through direct experience and strong relationships with the manufacturing sector, ApplyIT has learned the complex issues that companies face, and the many factors that contribute towards the success or failure of software solutions in this environment.
ApplyIT has a dynamic, customer-centric, motivated and highly skilled team of people who comprehensively understand the issues in their customers` industry. In-depth knowledge and understanding of their customers` requirements allow them to implement world-class IT solutions to solve complex business problems.
InfoWave
InfoWave is a South African software development company offering solutions using leading Oracle and Java technology. InfoWave specialises in the implementation and support of its own software products, in developing custom-built solutions, providing system integration services and IT support services.
InfoWave focuses on developing significant knowledge and understanding of its customers` operations thereby improving the business value of IT.
One of InfoWave`s major focus areas is the sugar industry, primarily in Africa but also globally. Many of InfoWave`s solutions, specifically Tranquillity ERP and CaneLab laboratory and weighbridge, are tailor-made for this industry.
InfoWave`s DevMan property management software focuses on private sector property development and local, provincial and national housing and public works departments to effectively manage the development process for mass housing and infrastructure projects such as roads and schools.
InfoWave is also involved in the development and implementation of custom-built solutions for other industry sectors such as the wool industry, conservation and the oil and energy industry.
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