Manchester, UK (November 20th 2006): SRO Solutions Ltd today announced it has been appointed  by Progress Software to integrate DataXtend RE – Progress’s data replication and data synchronization software which make applications mobile and available both on-line and off-line.

The integrated version provided by SRO is named the SDR (SRO Data Replicator) and is already available for MAXIMO, the market-leading asset and service management system from MRO Software, as well as other SQL-based marine & offshore applications that typically need to be synchronized with shore-based office systems.

Kareen Boutonnat, Managing Director of Progress Software Enterprise Infrastructure Products, EMEA, says: “We are delighted that SRO Solutions has signed up, following their extensive testing of DataXtend RE. We believe the partnership between our two companies will bring substantial benefits to customers in the marine and offshore sector”.

The SDR has undergone a lengthy test & evaluation process both in a simulated environment and live onboard using different communication protocols. For example, using Inmarsat Fleet’s MPDS channel, tests proved that to replicate 100 database changes, the cost was less than US$1. Considering a vessel will typically make between an estimated 100 to 200 changes per week, this equates to an average US$1.50 in communication costs for replication. But more importantly, due to the process being so efficient, the customer experiences no data collisions and therefore no unnecessary system downtime with the associated support overheads. The SDR has also been tested over other Inmarsat services such as Sat B 9.6kbits, ISDN as well as GSM/GPRS connections now available on most mobile phones.

“We are very pleased about our new partnership with Progress”, says Steve Driver, Director of SRO Solutions. “One of our main objectives has been to provide a simple, user friendly data replication solution to help the many marine & offshore operators to overcome the difficulties in managing disconnected systems”.

He continues; “In particular, we have focused on a replication solution for Maximo, suitable for use over satellite links that are typically prone to high latency and low bandwidth, but we also recognise there is a demand from users of other SQL based applications. We believe our replication solution will enable companies to get a higher return on their software investments, provide a better replication method for existing remote database systems, whilst allowing the added possibility of joining over 300,000 other users by migrating to the Maximo Enterprise Suite to keep your company marching towards its business objectives”.

SRO Solutions provides ICT solutions to the marine & offshore sector. Specializing in asset management, data replication, ship-to-shore communications, safety systems, bespoke development, ICT support, knowledge management and training.

ABOUT PROGRESS SOFTWARE

Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS) is a global industry leader providing application infrastructure software for all aspects of the development, deployment, integration and management of business applications. Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., Progress can be reached at www.progress.com/realtime or in the UK on +44 (0) 1753 216300.

Worldwide and North American Headquarters
Progress Software 14 Oak Park, Bedford, MA 01730 USA
Tel: +1 781 280 4000

UK and Northern Ireland
Progress Software, 210 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3XE England
Tel: +44 1753 216 300