Gen-i is acquiring certain intellectual property from Mako Networks, ComputerworldNZ can now confirm.
Kevin Ptak, global communications manager at Mako Networks told ComputerworldNZ, "We have recently renegotiated our contract terms to provide Gen-i with the SecureME service, so as to better focus our energies on growing our International business whilst maintaining a strong presence in New Zealand.
"The renegotiated contract with Gen-i includes the limited transfer of some intellectual property to Gen-i to facilitate in-house delivery of the SecureME service."
Ptak also confirmed that the move will entail some restructuring of employees.
"As part of our agreement with Gen-i, Mako will transfer a small number of highly trained staff to Gen-i to support in-house delivery of the Gen-i SecureME service.
"Following a high-growth period and review of our resourcing and staffing, Mako has recently recalibrated its R&D division which has resulted in some staff reductions as we refocus our business position," said Ptak.
Gen-i is yet to make an official statement on the deal with Mako Networks.
Ptak had earlier told ComputerworldNZ, "“This move will ensure SecureME customers are able to receive the same level of service from the two companies, while freeing Mako resources to focus on overseas markets in the United States, Australia and Asia, which represent more significant growth opportunities for us.
”Mako will continue to support a channel business within New Zealand, though Gen-i will remain the largest domestic provider of Mako Networks services.”
The move follows increasing success for Mako Networks in overseas markets, including the deal that it signed with Sprint in the US in November last year. The agreement allows US businesses to buy Mako’s technology to protect transactional data and payments, and is expected to provide millions of dollars in revenue for the firm in the next couple of years.
The NZ government has directed around $5 million in R&D funding to the company since 2009. Mako and Gen-i have had a long-standing partnership, whereby the latter resells Mako’s technology as the SecureME service to businesses.
Mako Networks currently operates from offices in San Francisco, London and Auckland, and through channel partners around the world.