Sparx Systems Establishes UML Training Partnership with La Trobe University

In collaboration with the La Trobe Centre for Technology Infusion, Sparx Systems will provide Enterprise Architect software for the establishment of Unified Modeling Language (UML) Training, Applied Research and Development in Information Systems and Business Modeling.

Creswick, Australia, July 29, 2009 – Sparx Systems, a leading vendor of modeling tools based on open standards, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with La Trobe University to work in partnership at the Centre for Technology Infusion (www.latrobe.edu.au/tech-infusion). The agreement will allow La Trobe University to achieve research, development and teaching objectives in the cutting-edge technologies of information technology systems and software development, while providing academic training services for users of Sparx Systems' popular modeling tool, Enterprise Architect. The software will be deployed in units of study for credit in La Trobe�s undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Dean, Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, Professor David Finlay, said “The Faculty was extremely pleased that its expertise and reputation for software research & development has attracted important infrastructure to La Trobe University. The facilities and activities will focus on strategic projects, encouraging the innovative abilities of our students and furthering their entrepreneurial skills and career prospects. This will contribute to economic growth through development and transfer of technology.”

The continued deployment of UML technology by industry is creating a demand for standards based education and training. To address this need, local, national and international business clients and partners will work together at the Centre to engage in UML based learning, research and development. UML standards development is overseen by the Object Management Group (OMG) for a wide range of technologies and industries, ranging from air traffic management and geospatial interoperability to e-government and e-health. These standards enable powerful visual design, execution and maintenance of software and other processes.

Director, Centre for Technology Infusion, Professor Jugdutt (Jack) Singh, noted “The partnership is a great mechanism for driving Student to Business linkages and an excellent opportunity for the students and staff at La Trobe University. The partnership will give our students and researchers opportunity to engage with companies and other partners within Australia and worldwide. This is a wonderful development.” He said “It will provide easy access to cutting edge technology to facilitate skill transfer and innovation between industry and academia in a stimulating environment.”

Ken Harkin, Business Development Manager for Sparx Systems, commented, “This timely development will deliver benefits to both the private and public sectors, while simultaneously supporting the growth goals of Federal and State Government and corporate business. At a time of unprecedented challenge, the Centre, through education and research, will provide those skills in demand, for the creation of new business and sustainable employment opportunities for many stakeholders. We anticipate further stakeholder collaborations with the Centre resulting from this partnership.”

The first fully subscribed industry based training courses will be delivered in July and August this year.

About Sparx Systems

Sparx Systems specializes in high performance and scalable visual modeling tools for the planning, design and construction of software intensive systems.

With customers in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive engineering to finance, defense, government, entertainment and telecommunications, Sparx Systems is a leading vendor of innovative solutions based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and its related specifications. A Contributing Member of the Object Management Group (OMG), Sparx Systems is committed to realizing the potential of model-driven development based on open standards.

The company’s flagship product, Enterprise Architect, has received numerous accolades since its commercial release in August, 2000. Now at version 7.5, Enterprise Architect is the design tool of choice for close to 200,000 registered users world-wide.

About La Trobe Centre for Technology Infusion

La Trobe University is one of Australia's leading research universities, with a world-wide reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Its vision is to continue to enhance its profile nationally and internationally to achieve wide recognition for delivering socially responsible, inclusive, relevant and radical learning, teaching and research. La Trobe University has five faculties offering a wide range of courses, research programs and study options.

The facility is located at the University's Centre for Technology Infusion, which was established as a Research and Product Realisation Centre at the University's R&D Park. It has established a state-of-art environment for academic and commercially relevant research & development, innovation and knowledge transfer, targeted towards high impact and strategic growth areas.