PLATO CIS looks to UK sales for global springboard

Media release April 11, 2001

PLATO CIS looks to UK sales for global springboard

PLATO CIS, the New Zealand based Clinical Software Systems company, is gearing up for global expansion on the back of successful sales in the UK Market.

“We are currently in a funding round for £1,000,000 to fund the establishment of PLATO’s business in Europe, having successfully integrated a number of hospitals in the UK” says Paul Ryan, CEO of Walker Wireless, who is an investor in PLATO, and is assisting the firm in an advisory capacity.

Mr Ryan has recently returned from the UK and has negotiated a venture capital deal that is currently being finalised.

“Our preferred venture capital partner has excellent links into the UK health sector to assist us in developing our business there,” he said.

“PLATO has US and other patents as to the methods employed to facilitate clinical governance and this market is subject to a lot of focus worldwide. The unique methods employed by PLATO mean that clinicians can go about their routine without substantially changing to meet the needs of a computer system. The uptake from clinicians has been very positive.”

Mr Ryan said that much of PLATO’s success could be attributed to the fact that the system was designed by its clinical directors.

PLATO directors John Ryan and Katherine Sowden are both clinicians and have also established an advisory board of colleagues to ensure that product development remains at the forefront of best clinical practice.

Paul Ryan said that John Ryan and Katherine Sowden had moved to live in the UK for at least the next two years to focus on European expansion. However PLATO’s development base and support office would remain in New Zealand.

“We have great staff here and we find that the product quality and vision that is created in New Zealand is superior,” said Mr Ryan.

Mr Ryan said his involvement in PLATO was a private one, in a separate capacity to his role as CEO of Walker Wireless. There were no commercial links between the two companies.

“PLATO is migrating from a small Kiwi owned business to a global business with all the hurdles that accompany that. We don’t underestimate the burden and challenges this poses for the business and we are realistic about the need for not only equity partners but good business partners to make this happen.”

Mr Ryan who is the brother of PLATO founder John Ryan said the firm was an example of how small, ‘garage industries’ from New Zealand could achieve international export success with the right support and resources.

“This little business, started in my brother’s basement, now offers some of the world’s leading health software products,” he said.

ENDS

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