SAN RAMON, Calif. -- Visual Numerics Inc., a leading provider of numerical analysis and visualization software, today announced that Phil Fraher has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Fraher, who joined Visual Numerics as Executive Vice President of North America Operations in January 2002, is leading the company's effort to parlay its leadership position in technical markets into the broader business market. Fraher has overall responsibility for sales, marketing, finance, human resources, and research and development worldwide. Long recognized as the "gold standard" in numerical analysis and visualization solutions for markets such as aerospace, life sciences, finance, government and education, Visual Numerics is expanding its offerings to mainstream business applications in key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and eServices, including new areas of financial services. With an eye on growing the company's business presence, Fraher will focus on building Visual Numerics' consulting business, growing research and development, developing new products, and expanding the company's channel partnerships. "We've watched the market for business intelligence solutions explode, and see a definite need for more in-depth analysis and visualization to help businesses take advantage of the data they have," said Richard Couch, President and CEO of Visual Numerics. "Phil has the right mix of skills and experience to help us grow the company aggressively in this direction." Fraher has extensive experience in high technology, especially with technology for data intensive environments. In addition, he has held various senior roles in finance and operational management including venture capital fund raising, mergers and acquisitions management, and international operations growth and development. He believes Visual Numerics is in the market now to show a wide range of scientific, technical and business customers how to get the most out of their data. "For 30 years, we have set the bar for numerical analysis and visualization solutions for technical and scientific communities worldwide. Now, more than ever, we're delivering our technology to the business user and providing customers tools that help them gain new insights into their businesses and make better decisions," said Fraher. Prior to joining Visual Numerics, Fraher was COO and CFO at Brightmail, Inc., a successful venture-backed Bay Area start-up company, where he raised $35M in venture capital for the company during one of the most difficult economic environments experienced in decades. He was responsible for leading Brightmail's expansion efforts into Europe and Asia Pacific. Fraher also served as CFO at Cahners Business Information Electronic Media Division, where he developed a sophisticated Web portal strategy to grow that company's business. Earlier in his career, he also held financial management positions at Pilot Software, a developer of online analytical processing (OLAP) tools, and Exxon Production Research Co., which develops oil exploration software, among other products. Fraher earned an MBA from the University of Rochester William E. Simon School of Business Administration and completed his undergraduate studies in Computing Engineering at Auburn University.