Government officials yesterday announced that over $2.9 million (CAD) will be contributed to a software solution company in a bid to make Canada a leader in today’s digital economy. The investment has also been made to reach global markets and create new highly skilled jobs.

Rockport Networks Inc. (Rockport), an Ottawa based firm, will receive the money from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern (FedDev Ontario) as one of many investments into ICT firms from the Canadian government.

The announcement was made by Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Kanata–Carleton on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

Funding the tech sector

The government is putting more money into the computing sector in the belief that digital tech is making waves in the way that people work, connect and access information.

Speaking of the funding, McCrimmon says: “FedDev Ontario’s investment in Rockport Networks Inc. will support the growth of a highly resourceful local company in an industry that demands innovative solutions for connectivity and networking. This announcement is great news for Ottawa, as it supports the scale up of a local business, strengthening the ICT cluster and creating quality jobs in the region.”

Whilst Bains adds to this point by saying, “The Government of Canada proudly supports companies that are working hard to revolutionize the ICT industry on a global scale. This FedDev Ontario contribution for Rockport Networks Inc. demonstrates our government’s dedication to helping Canadian businesses market their leading-edge technology, pursue new markets, foster innovation and strengthen the economy.”

Why Rockport?

The software company was chosen for the funding because of its status as an emerging company in direct connect networks and as a way of pushing forward the firm’s commercialization of its high-performance networking solution.

It was also selected because it has a new autonomous networking solution for computer servers to connect to one another directly that offers better security, faster performance, and reduced cost.

With support from FedDev Ontario, Rockport will be able to undergo product refinement, execute market development, adapt its proprietary technology specifically for the server market and product launch activities.

  “Thanks to this partnership with FedDev Ontario, Rockport is positioned to accelerate market entry of our Canadian networking innovation, deliver the economic, environmental and security benefits, and continue to build a highly skilled labour force.” Says Doug Carwardine, Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rockport Networks Inc.

The firm aims to hire software developers, manufacturers and IT staff from the local area.