PreWorX, local software developer and preboot specialist, has expanded its cooperative agreement with Brainware, a Swiss developer of desktop management software. The new agreement will see the companies closely integrating their respective intellectual capital, with PreWorX also taking over the southern African distribution for Brainware`s management application, Columbus.
In particular, all PreWorX preboot technologies will be integrated into Columbus. Preboot technology allows administrators to gain control of a PC or laptop before the operating system loads. PreWorX is a leading developer of preboot technologies globally and its software forms part of Novell`s ZENWorks management suite.
Columbus is designed to ease the management and deployment of PC operating systems and applications in large companies. The latest version also features online inventory and asset management facilities, Web-based business process automation and a trouble ticketing process for internal help-desks.
"PreWorX and Brainware share numerous synergies," says Rhys Taylor, executive director, PreWorX. "Both are focused on developing quality software to assist corporations in more effectively managing their technology infrastructure and reducing the associated costs. Brainware has captured a large part of the Swiss market with Columbus (120 000 desktops) and is now entering Germany, the largest market in Europe.
"By combining our unique strengths, both companies can produce a better product more suited to customers` needs without extending our resources beyond our areas of expertise. In our case, PreWorX will be able to focus on strengthening our preboot offering and expanding our local operation." Brainware recognised the effectiveness of PreWorX`s software under the companies` 2003 OEM agreement, and was eager to expand it to the benefit of both organisations.
"The new relationship will see the companies sharing intellectual capital down to source code level as we work together to create better desktop management solutions," adds Taylor. "PreWorX will launch a new service facility to ensure it can provide effective support for local Columbus users as well as offer customers a comprehensive IT management service."
Apart from selling and supporting Columbus, the new service offering from PreWorX will make use of a suite of best-of-breed management tools from PreWorX and third-party companies. PreWorX`s entrance into this market will offer South African corporations a unique service that will lower the cost of IT by automating software maintenance tasks, while simplifying the support process.
"The new relationship between PreWorX and Brainware signals the closer cooperation between two similar companies with common goals," says Taylor.
"By combining our respective intellectual capital, we allow each other to focus on our areas of strength while contributing to the long-term success of Columbus in the highly competitive desktop management field, both in Africa and Europe."
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