Dimension Data today announced the company has acquired the remaining 49 per cent share in SQL Services, a New Zealand-based specialist provider of Microsoft SQL and Oracle database management and consulting services. (Dimension Data acquired an initial 51 percent stake in SQL Services through its acquisition of the SecureData Group in December 2004.)

"The major benefit of the acquisition for Dimension Data is that the company can invest in SQL Services with a view to increasing its capacity to scale the business and develop new services, particularly to offer its range of database management and design services into other regions in which Dimension Data operates," said Steve Nola, Dimension Data's Australian CEO, adding: "This investment now becomes a lot more straightforward, as the ownership of the business operations and the intellectual property is now wholly owned by Dimension Data."

SQL Services has a strong core group of database professionals that will enhance Dimension Data's existing services offerings in Australia, as well as leverage this managed database services capability globally. SQL's current management team, staffing and reporting structures will remain unchanged.

Dimension Data's clients will benefit significantly from the acquisition through a greater depth and integration of database management and professional services within Dimension Data's overall service offerings, and the potential for these services to be offered throughout the company's other regions in the future.

SQL Services already services clients in the Australian market, and its service offerings were incorporated into Dimension Data's Australian business upon Dimension Data's acquisition of SecureData Group in December 2004.

SQL Services will continue to operate as it has done in New Zealand, based in offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. The company will also retain its current branding, service offerings and business partnerships in New Zealand.

"SQL Services business has been growing at impressive rates over the past few years, and we have successfully integrated its database management and consulting services into our Australian solutions suite over that period," said Mr Nola.

SQL Services' New Zealand clients include Scenic Circles Hotels, Southland District Council and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. In Australia, clients include JB Hi-Fi, Guild Insurance and Tourism Western Australia.

-ENDS-

About Dimension Data

Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a specialist IT services and solution provider, helps clients plan, build, support and manage their IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, security, operating environments, storage and contact centre technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration and managed services to create customised client solutions.

For further information:

Helen Han

Dimension Data

Tel: 02 8249 5684

helen.han@didata.com.au