Datawright looks east for further expansion

Sep 3 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

SOFTWARE specialist Data-wright has revealed plans to build on its successes in the Gulf by spreading its reach further east into Asia.

The Washington firm, which currently oversees the entire finances and procurement of a government-owned oil and gas giant in Dubai, is closing in on a deal that would take its software into Malaysia.

The company is hopeful of tying up a deal with a Malaysian chemicals firm as it seeks new overseas opportunities after witnessing a slowdown in growth in the UAE.

Datawright continues to work with Middle East oil and gas empire Dubai Petroleum through its Kingfisher v8 software and services its client from the North East where it has a team of technical staff working to UAE time.

According to business development manager Ian Farrar, as the recession has proved that even the oil-rich Gulf is not immune to economic turmoil, new opportunities have been limited.

And so he has set about looking for new clients further afield.

He said: “They don’t want to spend much money over in Dubai at the moment and they are not looking to bring new hardware or software into their firms – they are skimming over the cracks at the moment.

“Due to Dubai feeling the recession, I have looked at various other overseas markets and I am very close to signing a chemical customer in Malaysia.

“This would involve us setting up the system remotely and then flying over to install and be on site during the go-live period.”

Datawright supplies tailored software packages to some of the world’s largest technology players including Microsoft, Oracle and IBM.

Other clients in its portfolio include engine maker Rolls-Royce, aerospace and defence giant BAE Systems and Babcock – the services firm which supports government bodies such as the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence.

Datawright’s workforce currently stands at around 20 people, which is has shrunk by around 15 members of staff in the last two years amid difficult trading conditions caused by the global financial crisis.

However, the company is hopeful of ongoing growth and recently launched a new product called Snap 2.0, which was developed for Britain’s largest residential landlord, Newcastle-based Grainger plc.

The invoice management system is aimed at helping medium and large firms which are spread over several locations or focused on multiple project sites.