German network security specialist Biodata Systems is expanding its worldwide force and setting up shop in Sydney.
Biodata Systems supplies and supports network security solutions for ISDN and other technologies.
Here preparing for the company's launch at Networld+Interop later this month, Tan Siekmann, president of Biodata, said the company already has some Australian customers -- subsidiaries of UK-based organisations -- but is planning on attracting local companies with offshore subsidiaries.
"Australia is a very important market. [It] is a very [well] connected country," Siekmann said. "There is quite reasonable potential here in Australia for our marketplace."
Siekmann told ComputerWorld that targets for the new subsidiary include forming partnerships with telecommunication companies, PABX suppliers, videoconferencing vendors and solution integrators.
Siekmann said Biodata will be looking to integrate its security solutions with products from integrators and suppliers who service banks and the financial and production industries.
Biodata currently has two staff in Australia, who are looking for local recruits to run the subsidiary. It estimates seven staff will man the operation in the first six months. Distribution will be handled through value-added resellers and the channel, dismissing the need for branch offices throughout Australia, Siekmann said.
Biodata has offices throughout the world -- in Germany, Switzerland, the UK, San Francisco, Tokyo, Singapore and Tunisia -- and has distributors in 40 countries, he said.
Aside from its flagship ISDN security product,Babylon, Biodata's other products include firewall products for Internet and intranet access, and general encryption for leased lines, Ethernet and Fast Ethernet.
According to Siekmann, a key aspect of Biodata's success as a leading ISDN security supplier is its global position. Headquartered in Germany, Biodata is not restricted by US export laws and therefore is able to export strong encryption to all G22 (major industrial) countries.
Key customers include Mercedes-Benz, Boeing, AirBus and British Aerospace, Siekmann said.