Orion 2000 doubles sales, plots regional expansion

Chilean security software provider Orion 2000 expects to double its regional sales this year, after posting a 70% increase in revenues in 2002, chief executive Andres Cargill told BNamericas. Orion distributes and integrates security software for banks and other enterprise customers, Cargill said, adding the company also provides training and Internet monitoring services. It has technology partnerships with 15 security software developers, led by the US's Internet Security Systems, Cargill said, adding other key partners include Sonic Wall, Evidian, Vasco Data Security and Vidius. On Monday the company announced it has signed a regional distribution agreement with Utah-based encryption software company PGP. PGP is one of about five partners added in 2003, and Orion will continue to seek to expand its base of technology suppliers next year, Cargill said. The regional agreement refers to Orion's Chilean base, as well as its presence in 10 other Latin American countries, according to Cargill. Orion has begun a push into other parts of Latin America, seeking to transfer its market know-how and experience to new markets, he said. So far the company has signed up a network of 25 resellers around the region, he said, adding that despite this extensive reach international revenues still account for a "very small" portion of the company's sales. In 2004, the company will focus on consolidating its foreign base, by stepping up training for its partners, he said. Orion also plans to set up two foreign offices, to be announced in March of next year, he said. "We have to invest and provide direct support to our partners," Cargill said, adding he expects the international operations to mature over the medium- to long-term. Orion started up in Chile in 1997 as a project of the university network system Reuna, Cargill said. Three years later Orion received financing from Chilean telecom equipment vendor Telectronic, now the owner of 100% of its equity, he said. Orion is "always open" to receiving new financial support, he said, adding it would be especially appealing to receive interest from a venture capital type of investor, which could provide strategic leadership and contacts, as well as money.