Australian network equipment manufacturer Opengear, which has just reported first quarter sales growth of 49.9 per cent compared to last year, is now expanding its presence in the United Kingdom.

Opengear (www.opengear.com) designs appliances that simplify remote access and control of mission-critical IT network infrastructure, even if the network is down, by providing an “out-of-band” management console. With senior managers and its R&D team in Brisbane, Opengear makes more than 80 per cent of its sales in the US.

Opengear reports that its first quarter sales increased by 49.9 per cent over the corresponding period in 2011. Driving that growth during the past year is a massive increase in demand for its 3G solutions to provide secure out-of-band connectivity to remote sites. Demand for 3G products has overtaken traditional solutions by 32.3 per cent, with that lead growing as competition between cellular carriers drives down 3G data plan prices.

To capitalise on this strong performance, Opengear has recruited Andy Harris to the role of Vice President of Sales for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa). Andy has previously held senior sales roles at companies including Talari Networks, Uplogix and Netbotz.

Opengear CEO Rick Stevenson said the company’s rapid growth reflected a real need in the marketplace for secure remote management of critical IT and operational technology (OT) infrastructure. “Whether it’s at a co-located data centre, branch office or an industrial site, businesses are demanding remote management products that deliver reliability, availability and low mean time to repair,” he said.

“The growth of cellular WANs for out-of-band management of critical infrastructure is an emerging trend in the market. With carriers reducing the cost of cellular data WAN services significantly, the economics now support ‘virtually there’ remote management via cellular connections, eliminating the need for cabling and modems.”

Andy Harris joins Opengear with a solid background in out-of-band and remote monitoring technologies, having held senior roles at Uplogix and Netbotz, which was acquired by APC in 2005. Andy joins Opengear’s Vice President for Business Development, who opened the UK office just a few months ago. “Andy adds experienced and proven sales leadership to our local technical expertise which will help us to focus more energy on marketing our leading-edge solutions and engaging with our growing channel community,” said Robert Waldie.

Andy Harris said he saw a lot of opportunities for Opengear in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “Opengear has grown organically in the region based on its fantastic technology and ability to meet the needs of its regional clients,“ he said. “The goal is now to scale that potential by getting additional channel partners on board and bringing the technology to a wider audience.”

For media assistance or to request an interview, call John Harris at Impress Media Australia on 08 8431 4000 or email jharris@impress.com.au.

About Opengear

Opengear (http://www.opengear.com) develops smart solutions for critical network infrastructure management. Opengear’s Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) appliances secure and simplify remote monitoring, access and control of critical IT, network, operations technology and industrial control systems. Opengear’s smart appliances integrate next-generation automation and true out-of-band management technologies, ensuring that customers maintain complete control over critical infrastructure - wherever, whenever.