New President and CEO for Teamware Group to Reinforce Internet Strategy (4.4.2000)

Fujitsu Ltd. has made a key executive appointment effective April 1 in its subsidiary Teamware Group Oy in order to strengthen the company’s Internet solutions strategy. Former Vice President of the Community Solutions Business Mr. Rauno Toivonen has been appointed CEO and President of Teamware Group. The aim of the new President is to take Teamware to a leading position in the Internet community market.

During the last two years Teamware has undergone a major transformation from a product centric business model to becoming a solution provider. "It is now time to further accelerate the speed of our business. We have the skills, the will and the financial assets to reach a leading position in the Internet community market space. We will succeed by working close to our customers," said newly appointed President Rauno Toivonen.

Rauno Toivonen, President and CEO of Teamware Group

"Our key priority is to ensure that our current customers are satisfied, and at the same time to acquire a major online user base. We are looking at exciting business opportunities for which our services and tools - such as Teamware Pl@za, Teamware Office 5.3 for Linux, or our mobile Internet and agent technologies - offer ideal solutions. Teamware has, naturally, a set of unique skills and technologies, some of which are sold as separate products. However, all of them can be used to enhance the competitive position of our Internet offerings. We at Teamware know how people work together, stemming from our business, our technologies and our own research. Our services are tailored to different market segments and their specific needs with the ultimate goal of removing the inefficiency and complexity often related to using the Internet," explained Toivonen.

Fujitsu Group's strategic direction is 'Everything on the Internet'. "Teamware is a key innovator of business models and technology. We want to capitalize on these innovations also outside Teamware's traditional market areas. Fujitsu fully supports Teamware’s future vision. We are investing substantially in their ASP operations, consulting business and R&D. The company now requires a new management approach in order to achieve the desired mode of operation and market presence," said Mr. Junji Maeyama, Senior Vice President of Fujitsu Limited and Chairman of the Teamware Group Board. Former Teamware Group President Mr. Jukka Norokorpi has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Teamware Group Board. He will continue working closely with various Fujitsu entities and other corporations to enhance joint business prospects.

Rapid market expansion in the Internet world is based on a competitive strategy and collaboration with many types of corporations and organ-izations. In the past six months Teamware has acquired Decode Oy, a new media agency in Finland, as well as a minority stake in Avectra, Inc., an association management software vendor in the US. "We will take similar steps in the near future in other key markets to reinforce our chosen community solutions strategy," Toivonen commented.

About Teamware:

Teamware Group develops, markets and supplies software products and services designed to facilitate human networking and to make communities intelligent. Teamware is a Fujitsu company, a part of Fujitsu Software Group’s 5000 employees. It operates in Europe and USA as well as through the Fujitsu network worldwide. Teamware has a substantial skill base and product & services portfolio in community solutions and collaborative applications. Teamware Pl@za provides a service application platform for communities of professionals.

Press contacts:

Ingrid Korpela, Marketing Communications Manager
Tel. +358 9 5128 2539 or ingrid.korpela@teamware.com