INDUSTRY

Univa Corporation, the provider of open source Globus software, today named Michael Ellis as CEO. Ellis' appointment follows an $8 million Series A funding round closed last August, continuing the company's aggressive push for adoption of grid solutions in enterprises. Ellis has more than 25 years of management experience in growing global software businesses with companies such as Oracle Corporation and i2 Technologies. Univa co-founder and grid computing pioneer Steve Tuecke, becomes the company's new CTO and will focus on defining the company's technology vision and product strategy. "Univa's products are changing how CEOs and CIOs utilize resources to increase global business collaboration and effectiveness in truly innovative ways," said Michael Ellis. "The solutions that Univa is bringing to market are based on proven technologies used by the world's largest grid installations, combined with a depth of expertise in a broad range of vertical industries. Joining Univa's founders, Steve Tuecke, Ian Foster, and Carl Kesselman, represents a rare opportunity to lead enterprises in realizing tremendous business value from the world's foremost grid technology." A former senior vice president at i2 Technologies, Ellis was most recently managing director of the Ellis Management Group, where he consulted with numerous firms to develop new market and revenue opportunities through creative sales and channel distribution, innovative global marketing and product strategy. "Bringing a seasoned business veteran in as CEO to complement Univa's strong technical leadership is part of the company's strategy that builds on the success of the widely used, standards-based Globus technology," said Patrick Ennis, managing director at ARCH Venture Partners, and Univa board member. "Mike's enterprise software expertise and leadership in selling to Global 2000 customers and building strategic relationships with partners are key ingredients in Univa's recipe for success." "We are excited to welcome Mike to our management team," said Tuecke. "His expertise in building global enterprise software organizations from the ground up will be critical to Univa. In working for both fast-growing companies and brand-name leaders, he brings a skill set that will drive Univa's sales growth and enterprise business value. Mike's appointment will allow me, as CTO, to focus on developing the next generation of Grid computing products and extending the thought leadership for which Univa is known." Under Ellis' direction, Univa will expand its alignment with leaders in the grid computing ecosystem, where the company already has established a strategic relationship with IBM.