Preliminary figures from German data center automation software vendor Beta Systems Software AG indicate that non-recurring charges related to its acquisition of Canadian Harbor Systems Management Ltd (CI No 3,571), plus slower-than-expected revenue growth of 12% led to a pre-tax loss of DM15m ($8.4m) in 1998. Total revenues for the year were DM76m ($42.8m). Berlin-based Beta said that, while its CPU upgrade business expanded substantially last year, new license growth slowed, as did version upgrades for its Beta 92 and Beta 93 products. Beta Systems defended its decision to acquire Harbor as a move designed to position the company for future growth and enhance its competitive position. Indeed, the acquisition of the Calgary-based developer of storage systems represented an important expansion of BetaÆs market reach, opening the Unix and NT business arenas to the company.
