US-based mobile workforce solutions provider ViryaNet,has established a subsidiary in Australia, ViryaNet Pty Ltd (ViryaNet Australia), with the acquisition of mobile software provider e-Wise Solutions, based in Melbourne.

The e-Wise acquisition comes on the heels of an announcement in May of ViryaNet’s first Australian customer, Integral Energy.

e-Wise Solutions develops and implements front-office automation solutions for mobile and desktop platforms, and has a customer roster that includes a number of large organisations in the utility, government, and oil & gas services market segments, across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region. A sampling of customers includes City West Water, City of Melbourne, Barwon Water, Yarra Valley Water, Brisbane Water and others. e-Wise became a value added reseller of ViryaNet products in October 2004.

Through ViryaNet Australia, NASDAQ listed ViryaNet will acquire all of the assets of e-Wise, including intellectual property rights, for US$0.7 million payable in shares plus a further US$0.7 million, payable in 2006 based on the achievement of performance objectives in the 2005 financial year.

ViryaNet Australia is expected to retain e-Wise’s current executive team and employees, offerings, and offices in Australia. The acquisition is expected to close during June of 2005, subject to certain closing conditions.

“Australia is a vibrant marketplace, one we believe is well suited for ViryaNet’s products and services. ViryaNet Australia will give us an operating unit for serving the Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia/Pacific markets. The acquisition of e-Wise is another step forward in attaining our goal of developing local presence in each of our targeted geographies,” said Paul V. Brooks, president and CEO, ViryaNet. “The e-Wise team has demonstrated success with solid products and top-quality professional services, resulting in a robust installed base of satisfied customers. We welcome the e-Wise staff, partners, and customers, and look forward to expanding the ViryaNet presence in this part of the world.”

Brooks said that ViryaNet’s mobile workforce management product, including an advanced scheduling optimisation algorithm, complements the case-management capabilities of e-Wise’s flagship product, FOCUS, which together would create a compelling mobility solution for a wide range of markets.

e-Wise CEO and founder, Mark Hosking, described the merging of the companies as a win-win for both. Hosking said, “It will extend the capabilities of the e-Wise team and the reach of ViryaNet Australia into new markets.” Upon closing of the acquisition, Hosking will be named general manager of ViryaNet Australia.