CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Solid Information Technology, the supplier of choice for embedded data management in devices and applications that deliver today's IP-based services for high-availability network infrastructure components, today announced that Alain Couder has been appointed President & Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Couder has been an independent member of Solid's board of directors since October 2002. In his new role, Couder will be responsible for all business activities worldwide and will report to the board of directors.
"Solid has achieved a great deal in these challenging times for the software industry. We have created industry-leading product, closed a number of strategic customers and built a winning team. The rapid introduction of IP-based services into the telecom and networking market is creating a high-growth, high-results business opportunity for Solid. Alain will enable us to mature as an organization, build on our track record, and lead the market while maintaining our strong customer and product focus," said Jussi Harvela, former CEO. "I will be continuing with the company as Executive Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and will work closely with Alain focusing on opening up new markets and working with key strategic customers and partners." Mr. Harvela will also continue as an active member of the Solid board of directors.
Sam Spadafora, chairman of the board, commented, "After years of solid performance and innovation, this is a natural evolution and planned completion of the executive team. Introducing Alain's international operational skills with Jussi's proven business development and strategic skills will take the company to the next level. We are confident that Alain's experience and reputation for growing technology companies and taking them into the public markets will help the company to take a leadership position in the global market."
Couder is a successful entrepreneur, venture capitalist and business executive with more than 30 years of international management experience gained running and investing in a broad range of high technology companies. He has substantial executive experience as CEO of Confluent Software and IP Dynamics, COO for Agilent Technologies and as chairman and CEO of Packard Bell NEC and has driven major international merger and acquisition activity.
In reviewing the current situation at Solid, Couder noted, "We have the people, product, blue-chip customer references, and financial strength that augurs well for the future." He added, "Jussi has helped establish a focused, accomplished company that has that rare opportunity to become the data management platform of choice in the major targeted market, networking and telecom. I believe that Solid has become the leading supplier in its space and that the company will only increase it's footprint over the next several years. I am looking forward to the challenge of ensuring profitable growth and the expansion of our business and maximize the value for our investors."
Solid Information Technology Ltd.