Rocket Software Completes Acquisition of Zephyr Development Corporation

Rocket Software, Inc. (www.rocketsoftware.com) announced today that it has acquired Zephyr Development Corporation, a Houston-based developer of terminal emulation software. The Zephyr team has joined Rocket Software's global organization of more than 900 employees and has become part of Rocket Software’s Application Development, Integration and Modernization business unit. 

Andy Youniss, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Software, said, "We have admired Zephyr for years and have a long-standing respect for this great business and the set of terminal emulation products that this team has developed.  The terminal emulation market is a strategic focus area for Rocket Software and we’re excited to continue to sell, develop, and support our new Rocket PASSPORT solutions.  We also want to welcome our new customers and look forward to supporting them and helping them achieve ongoing success with Rocket PASSPORT. Rocket PASSPORT is now another important solution offering within our terminal emulation business here at Rocket Software.“

The Rocket PASSPORT solutions provide an essential link between the Microsoft Windows operating systems and critical business applications running on IBM System z, IBM i, UNIX, Linux, and OpenVMS servers. Users include hundreds of global organizations in sectors including banking, insurance, government and healthcare. 

Rocket Software will be hosting a webinar on February 15th for customers and partners to introduce our company, discuss the acquisition, and answer any questions. To register for the webinar please click below:

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST

Rocket Software Zephyr Acquisition FAQ

Rocket Software has acquired Zephyr Development Corporation.  Following is some information about the transaction, and what it means to existing customers and partners.

Q. Who is Zephyr Development Corporation?

A: Zephyr Development Corporation ("Zephyr") is a provider of terminal emulation software.  The primary brand that we offer is Rocket PASSPORT. 

Q. Why did Rocket Software acquire Zephyr?

A. We have admired Zephyr for years and have a long-standing respect for this great business and the set of terminal emulation products that this team has developed.  The terminal emulation market is a strategic focus area for Rocket Software and we’re excited to continue to sell, develop, and support our new Rocket PASSPORT solutions.

Q: When was the deal signed?

A: This transaction closed on February 1, 2012.

Q. Will Rocket retain the Zephyr name?

A. Rocket will primarily focus on the product brand name, "Rocket PASSPORT".

Q. How will the Rocket PASSPORT team fit into Rocket Software?

A. The Rocket PASSPORT team is joining Rocket Software's global organization of more than 900 employees.  Rocket PASSPORT is now another important solution offering within our Application Development, Integration, and Modernization business unit here at Rocket Software.  We will continue to sell, develop and support Rocket PASSPORT solutions.  We also will continue to sell, develop and support our pre-existing terminal emulation software known as Rocket BlueZone. We want to emphasize that both of these solutions are important to Rocket Software.

Q: What is Rocket planning to do with Rocket PASSPORT?

A: Rocket PASSPORT terminal emulation solutions are a great addition to our set of offerings in this space. We plan to continue investing in Rocket PASSPORT in order to deliver new features and functionality to our customers and partners.

Q. What are the financial terms of this acquisition?

A. The financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

Q. How many Rocket PASSPORT employees are joining Rocket?

A. We are pleased to announce that the entire Rocket PASSPORT team is joining Rocket.  The two founders, however, have made the decision to retire from the business.

Q. Will Rocket PASSPORT employees remain in the same offices/city?

A. The majority of the Rocket PASSPORT team is based in Houston and the U.K., and we expect that to continue as members of the Rocket team.

Q. What does this mean for existing Rocket PASSPORT customers?

A. Existing customers will continue to have the same relationships they currently have with the development, technical support and field support teams. Rocket is firmly committed to the Rocket PASSPORT solutions, and we will continue to work to deliver the reliability and service levels that customers have come to expect.

Q. Who do I contact for customer support or any other question?

A. Support contacts will remain the same and can now also be accessed through the support page in the Rocket PASSPORT solutions section of www.rocketsoftware.com. 

Q. How can I learn more?

A. Rocket will host a webinar on February 15, 2012. Click below to register for the session.

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST