CARIS, Fredericton, New Brunswick

www.caris.com

A New Brunswick company is one of three in the world competing to be the first to develop a complete and working Hydrographic Database. "There is only a handful of organizations with the expertise to develop such a complex and far-reaching product. We can proudly say that we are the leading contender, having already developed several modules of the database," says Sheri Flanagan, who works in the Corporate Marketing Division of CARIS, based in Fredericton.

CARIS' Hydrographic Production Database (HPD) is a management system capable of accepting, storing, processing and manipulating hydrographic data in different proprietary formats. HPD is proving so successful that CARIS is now adapting it as a land-based application for the geology industry, which also requires such a database.

CARIS markets its Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Information Management solutions in more than 70 countries. Derrick Peyton, Marine Division Manager of CARIS, offers the following advice on gaining a foothold in foreign markets: "Because business cultures are so different, the best way is by teaming up with a local partner or forming an alliance." He also recommends consulting with the Trade Commissioner at the local Canadian embassy or consulate, who can provide guidance on local marketing procedures. "Our participation in Team Canada trade missions was a real plus," Peyton adds. CARIS signed agreements in the Philippines and with the Brazilian navy during the 1997 and 1998 trade missions.

08/2002