Dartware Joins Forces with Ecko Technologies
New partners introduce InterMapper network monitoring software to South African market
Hanover, NH/Randburg, South Africa – October 6, 2008 – Dartware LLC, developer and marketer of InterMapper network monitoring and mapping software with integrated NetFlow analysis, and Ecko Technologies have formed a partnership under which Ecko Technologies will market and distribute InterMapper in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The companies were introduced through the US Commercial Service's Gold Key Service; a program that arranges one-on-one introductions between US product vendors and potential overseas partners.
“We rely on partners to market and distribute our products in the US and especially in other parts of the world,” says John Sutton, Director of Sales at Dartware. “We have very high standards for partners. They have to be technically competent and able to quickly understand the network challenges of corporate clients. And they have to be able to build product loyalty through excellent customer support. Our meetings with Ecko Technologies made it clear that they'd be an excellent partner.”
Ecko Technologies was drawn to InterMapper's “speed, reliability, scalability, and multi-platform support” reports Lyndon Labuschagne who will head Ecko Technology's new “Dartware” division. “InterMapper's network monitoring and mapping capabilities offer great value,” says Labuschagne. “In South Africa, we're seeing large corporations consolidate while more and more small companies offer internet services. Those changing and growing network infrastructures need to be monitored. We haven't seen any solution that performs at InterMapper's level.”
InterMapper network monitoring software graphically maps network infrastructures and alerts network administrators to under-performing devices and unacceptable traffic conditions. Diagnostic and performance trend information is a click away. The graphical presentation of data makes it easy to technicians to spot, locate, and fix problems before networks fail.
Both companies credit the Gold Key Service meetings held by the USCS for allowing them to quickly discuss business opportunities, determine corporate synergies, explore the technology, and initiate their partnership. “The USCS – through their local office at the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) - really gives New Hampshire developers an affordable and efficient way to meet with potential international partners,” says Sutton.
“The ITRC is a tremendous resource for Dartware and its services are now an integral part of our international partner expansion program,” Sutton continues. The ITRC coordinated a trade delegation from New Hampshire to participate in Trade Winds Europe, an event organized by the US Department of Commerce. Dartware had participated in this trade mission, which led to a business trip to South Africa that resulted in the subsequent partnership with Ecko Technologies.
The two companies have moved quickly to get Ecko Technologies ready to sell and support InterMapper. “We're in a big market that's been going without state-of-the-art network monitoring,” explains Michael Christophers, CEO of Ecko Technologies. “InterMapper has given us a great product with aggressive pricing and terrific engineering support. They've shown real energy in getting Ecko Technologies up to speed and we're ready to sell to large corporations and SMEs across the country.”
About Dartware – www.dartware.com - Dartware, LLC develops the InterMapper® network mapping and monitoring software with an integrated NetFlow analyzer. InterMapper earns a quick return on investment by proactively alerting administrators to potential slow-downs, crashes, and other business interruptions. Its real-time, color-coded maps and other displays provide users with an instant view of their network including device status and bandwidth usage. Dartware's software is installed in financial services, healthcare, retail, education, government, non-profit, WISP and ISP organizations around the world.
About Ecko Technologies (Pty) Ltd. – www.ecko.co.za – Ecko Technologies was first known for the intuitive voice recording, logging and retrieval process it developed for South African Medical Aid centres. The technology gained immediate respect in the market and is being widely adopted. Having earned a reputation for innovative software development, Ecko has gained contracts outside of voice-logging. Now, Ecko has re-tooled its operations to become a technology brokerage and is building a stable of world-class products that add commercial value to a large spectrum of businesses.
About the United States Commercial Service - www.trade.gov/cs - The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration. USCS trade specialists in 107 U.S. cities and more than 80 countries work with companies to help them increase sales in global markets. USCS services include world class market research, trade events that promote products and service to qualified buyers, introductions to qualified buyers and distributors, counseling and advocacy through every step of the export process.
About the International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) – www.exportnh.org – The ITRC is a one-stop facility that houses federal, state, local and private organizations, and is the hub of international trade activities for the State of New Hampshire. Administered by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development's Office of International Commerce, the ITRC plans, develops and administers programs for international trade promotion and foreign market development.