Author: JT Smith
The transaction continues Atipa?s strategic transformation from a comprehensive, end-to-end provider of Linux-based hardware, software, and professional services to a company providing multi-platform enterprise management software and support. Atipa will continue to provide corporate management services and support to its two subsidiaries, OpenNMS of Raleigh, North Carolina and Enhanced Software Technologies (EST), Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona.
OpenNMS is the start-up company that created OpenNMS.org, the open source project that is developing next-generation network management software. The OpenNMS management team will lead an Atipa subsidiary to be announced this summer that will provide enterprise management software products and comprehensive professional services and support. EST is a veteran player in the backup market, providing leading backup solutions and utilities since 1985 and Linux-based solutions since 1994. EST has long set the standard for data protection with its flagship product, the award-winning BRUÔ, and recently launched a new product, BRU ProÔ, the business-level ?Backup You Can Trust? for small to mid-sized enterprises.
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, Microtech is currently a leading ISO-9002 certified manufacturer of Microsoft-based custom PC and server solutions with a diverse national customer base. The acquisition of Atipa?s hardware unit supports Microtech?s mission to become a leading national provider of multi-platform solutions by entering the growing HPC market as a branded provider of high-quality Linux clustering solutions.
?The decision to focus all of our corporate resources exclusively on the software end of our business reflects a fundamental shift away from Atipa?s original business strategy of becoming a full-service Linux provider,? said Jeffrey Keenan, Atipa?s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. ?While sales from our HPC unit increased dramatically in 2000, our board and management team felt that Atipa?s long-term interests would be better served by narrowing our focus to the promising new market opportunities of our software subsidiaries. We are excited about our prospects for success and convinced that this strategic shift in Atipa?s direction will be rewarding for both our shareholders and employees.?
?The combination of Microtech?s cutting-edge, ISO-certified manufacturing processes with Atipa?s brand name and footprint in the HPC space presents the perfect opportunity for us to expand into a new market,? said Mike Zheng, founder and President of Microtech. ?As an established and growing company that has been competing successfully in the hardware business for 15 years, we believe we can add even more value to Atipa?s product offerings and continue expanding their blue-chip customer base. This is definitely a win-win for both companies.?
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Additional background information on Atipa and Microtech can be found at the following web sites:
www.atipa.com
www.microtechcomp.com
www.estinc.com
www.opennms.org
CONTACT: Darrek Porter
816-60-1134 x107
dporter@atipa.com
