Data Enhancement Services has become the newest tenant at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center.DES, a supplier of geographic information software services to government, utilities and telecommunications organizations, moved into FITCI's Monocacy facility in late spring. FITCI will provide a number of business development programs to DES, including access to funding, networking opportunities, mentoring and business plan advice.
DES joins the business incubator's 30 tenant companies, which range in scope from information technology and biotechnology to renewable energy.
Since 2004, DES has provided clients with sophisticated geographic information systems software services. Its mapping services are used by water districts, transportation departments, natural resource departments and others to streamline global information systems data use for hydrology and mapping applications. DES is the incubator's first GIS technology provider.
"Getting accepted into FITCI is a very important step for DES and will be critical to our ongoing strategy and marketing initiatives to build and strengthen the business," said Rich Freedland, the company's president. "Our customers have told us they are looking forward to our ability to take a developed product to market."
DES employs about 15 people, mostly in marketing and sales positions scattered around the country, Freedland said. About five engineers are located in Frederick .
The company makes extensive use of about a dozen consultants used on a project basis.
"Obviously, the plan is to generate so much business that we hire full-time local workers who will, in turn, pay more taxes," Freedland said.
FITCI executive director Mike Dailey said DES is a natural fit for the business incubator.
"The potential for the company's development is enormous É " Dailey said. "Due to our proximity to Washington, D.C., we are well positioned to help DES tap into valuable relationships with federal government customers, a huge user of mapping products."
Dailey said Freedland is focused on expanding DES.
"Having successfully taken a high-technology, industry-leading company from early stage through acquisition, he has the experience required to take DES to the next level," Dailey said.
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