In a decision approved by shareholders in mid-February, software publisher Physical Networks (Paris, France) says it has begun plans to move its corporate headquarters to the greater Philadelphia area within the year.
Physical Networks is publisher of Cabling System Manager (CSM), which is a full-featured software product designed to help corporations plan, manage and service their physical network, communication and cabling infrastructure. Additional capital has been secured to facilitate the move, with $48 million in venture capital raised as of mid-February. In addition to growing the U.S. market for CSM, the move is largely a strategic effort to better position Physical Networks for a potential initial public offering once market conditions improve.
In an effort to assure a smooth transition to America, Physical Networks has selected Wayne H. Monk-with more than 17 years of sales and marketing management experience-as chief operating officer, and responsible for building Physical Networks' U.S. staff and operations. Previously, Monk served as vice president, corporate marketing and North America sales for MainControl (McLean, VA), an asset management software company.
Philippe Haustete, president and CEO of Physical Networks, who will serve in both the Paris and Pennsylvania operations, notes that "Wayne has proven success in building and managing high technology businesses that market and support IT infrastructure management solutions to large corporations. In addition, he brings a tremendous amount of experience in developing rewarding partnerships and strategic alliances with industry leaders."
In the U.S. market, Monk aims to enter into discussions with both contractors and network systems integrators to facilitate a "partner community" with installers and designers.
"We are finding very good acceptance here," says Monk. "And we are building our team very, very quickly." To further support U.S. operations, Physical Networks plans to hire approximately 25 sales, business development, marketing, consulting, training, and support professionals over the next 12 to 15 months.
Founded in 1994, Physical Networks maintains more than 1,500 customers worldwide. It provides the CSM software in English, French, and German languages. More information is available at www.physicalnetworks.com.
-Michelle Abrams