 |
    |
 |
    |
November 19, 2001
IRAP contributes $200,000
to software company's innovative efforts
WATERLOO, ONTARIO, November 20, 2001 - Arius Software Corporation has a suite of application automation tools that accelerate the development of enterprise-class software.
"We work to make business data more accessible, so it's available to staff, customers and suppliers when and where it is needed," says Adam Zimmer, the company's President and CEO. "We help corporations extend the utility of their applications by enabling their use over intra, inter, or extranets. Instead of trying to fit a client's requirements to an off-the-shelf product, we make it obtainable to have a unique solutions to their specific needs."
Arius has developed a suite of application automation tools that can link data between a user's application and a database based upon a set of architecture choices ranging from one-tier (i.e. standalone desktop) up to a 3-tier scalable enterprise model. Application designers may choose from a breadth of industry or vendors' standards and protocols. In specifying the Client Platforms, for example, one may include any combination of web browser, cell phones, or java applications. If required, the growing list of middle tier servers supported includes COM, J2EE, ASP, JSP, and IBM's Websphere. Finally, one or more databases may be integrated such as Oracle, MS SQL 2000, DB2, and Sybase or if need dictates, legacy databases may also be supported. The result is a highly automated approach to designing and developing enterprise-class e-business applications with secure data that is accessible to the intended users.
This patent-pending system and methodology, called ConnectedDB, makes it possible for a diverse group of users to share information more efficiently through the World Wide Web. ConnectedDB automatically creates the complex software commands - which Arius has dubbed the "glue code"- necessary to link various parts of a large network application. By simplifying the task of exchanging data from many different sources, this suite of tools allows a company to take advantage of the latest enterprise architectures and protocols while making the most of its own existing information technology infrastructure.
In light of Arius' successful venture, the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) is contributing up to $200,000 to help the company continue to make such progress. IRAP provides support, advice and financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that offer outstanding and innovative technological solutions. According to Paul Burgener, Industrial Technology Advisor for IRAP in Waterloo, Arius has done just that and should be able to do even more.
"The signing of a contribution agreement is the result of a long process and requires a significant commitment of time and resources by the company," he says. "Arius demonstrated a comprehensive business plan, market strategy and technological competence in the review process. We're pleased to offer our assistance to their important efforts and expect them to achieve substantial success."
Arius now plans to extend the capabilities of ConnectedDB, accelerating the pace at which clients can "glue" together the components needed to build an enterprise-class application. The result should permit those clients to operate their newest as well as their oldest databases as part of a single, easily accessible network. Among the enterprises that should be most interested in benefiting from this technology are finance and insurance firms. These firms were among the first to build data-centric applications, and in certain cases are struggling to maintain "legacy" systems that are often based on antiquated hardware and software that do not comply with current standards.
"We're pleased that IRAP recognizes the importance of our research and development efforts to extend our technology and expertise to address new market opportunities," says Zimmer. "The $200,000 IRAP contribution, as part of a $563,000 project, will allow us to address emerging technologies that represent substantial growth opportunity for our company."
ConnectedDB is designed to work with some of the leading software systems, including Microsoft's .NET and Sun Microsystems' Enterprise Java Beans (EJB), as well as supporting emerging services from Microsoft, Sun and IBM.
Arius was founded in 1998 by two University of Waterloo students, Zimmer and Mike Neame, Vice President of Product Development, and was incorporated in 1999. Arius Software Corporation offers end-to-end solutions for clients with its own Professional Services Group utilizing ConnectedDB as well as selling ConnectedDB corporate licenses. Clients range from financial services to security to education spanning Canada and United States.
For more information contact: Gary Baksi, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Tel. (519) 885-2945, Cell (416) 889-7716 gary@ariussoftware.com www.ariussoftware.com
###