Sydney IT firm bought out by NYSE-listed giant

Pyrmont, Sydney-based Connect2Field has been acquired by Fleetmatics, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company specialising in fleet management solutions.

Connect2Field's software platform allows businesses to manage jobs, invoices, schedules and fieldworkers. The cloud-based solution can be accessed and updated by on-the-road employees directly from their Apple, Android, Microsoft and BlackBerry smartphones.

The company currently goes direct to market, but is looking at a channel strategy following its acquisition by Fleetmatics.

Connect2Field managing director Steve Orenstein told CRN: "The channel will be an important way for customers to find out, learn about and get the most about our product.

"It's always been part of what we've been planning."

Orenstein believes channel partners will benefit most from offering ongoing training and support to customers.

"Adding value to an existing cloud product is definitely going to be the way. We assist our customers over the phone and through videos, but we don't go out onsite and that's where a reseller can add value, consulting time, training and then be able to assist them with devices and their configuring."

Connect2Field intends on working with channel partners "before the end of the year".

Orenstein told CRN he was first "contacted via LinkedIn" last December and that acquisition talks picked up serious pace in May.

"I always thought the business will be acquired; it was just unexpected to see it happen so soon."

Connect2Field's staff will be retained and Orenstein will relocate to Fleetmatics' global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.

Orenstein would not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Connect2Field is Fleetmatics's first Australiam acquisition. Founded in Australia in 2009, Connect2Field has offices located in Sydney, Australia, and San Jose, USA, and services customers around the world.

Fleetmatics is a global leader in fleet management software. The company has 19,000 customers, covering more than 388,000 vehicles.