History

What development stages did we go through during our 10 year history in the IT market and what allowed us to maintain and increase our growth rate?

For convenience, the history of the company’s development can be divided into the following stages:

1998 – 2001

Six employees of CSS (Computer Support Services) joined forces and created BAC. The new company’s main area of activity became the delivery of integrated solutions in the field of office automation.

The first agreements were signed with global manufacturers of equipment and software – Compaq Computer (now HP), Microsoft, Cisco, and Avaya.

The company carried out a range of large-scale projects, the biggest of which was the construction of an IT-infrastructure for a branch of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

In total, over its first 4 years in business BAC’s client base totaled 150 companies. The volume of business by the end of 2001 constituted $20 million.

2002 – 2005

The company changed its role as a supplier of computer technology and began to focus on integrated IT-solutions for its clients. As a result of this, within the company structure there are the following lines of business:

• Deployment of business applications
• Delivery of telecommunications solutions
• Construction of corporate information systems
• Creation of technical-engineering solutions
• IT outsourcing

A branch was opened in Saint-Petersburg.

The company continued to work on perfecting business processes and created a quality management system.

B.A.C. expanded upon what it could offer its clients by signing partnership agreements with global manufacturers like: IBM, Oracle, Hitachi Data Systems, APC, Remedy, Citrix, Xerox, and Nortel.

The number of employees at BAC rose to 280.

In 2005 the company’s turnover reached $66 million.

According to Expert Magazine, in 2005 the company broke into the Top30 largest businesses on the Russian IT market.

2006 – 2007

Detroit Investment, an international investment fund, became a BAC shareholder and contributed substantial sums to develop the company.

The company entered the rapidly expanding markets in Russia’s neighbouring countries, opening a branch in Astana (Kazakhstan) and acquiring shares in leading systems integrator Dialog-Kiev (Ukraine).

B.A.C. specialists worked on large projects to create IT-infrastructures and security systems at the TVEL Corporation and constructed IT-infrastructure and a data-processing centre for VTB at their skyscraper 'Federation Tower'. They also provided infrastructure outsourcing support to SunInBev, developed an IT system for Sheremetevo-3 Airport, and worked out an IT strategy for RAO UES of Russia.

An exclusive partnership agreement was reached with SITA – a world leader in IT development and deployment in the field of commercial aviation. The company expands its portfolio of trans-industry solutions, which also includes products from VMware and InfoWatch.

The number of company employees rose to 640.

In 2007 the company’s revenue reached $203 million.

2008

The company set itself ambitious targets – in the medium-term to break into the Top10 biggest players on the IT market. In connection with this, the functioning corporate management system is revised and the company is restructured. The company structure is divided into departments, which are focused on developing the company’s business in the following sectors:

• Aviation and transport
• Energy and utilities
• Finance and insurance
• Manufacturing
• Oil and gas
• Public sector
• Real estate and construction
• Telecommunications

The company’s M&A strategy was put into action with the takeover of Averta – a solutions provider in the electronic document management sphere. A representative office was also opened in Krasnodar.

The company’s marketing strategy underwent radical changes. Achieving greater targets meant new demands being placed on the brand. In response to this, the decision was taken to introduce a new brand to the market – Asteros (link to Asteros today). Thus, the Asteros Group appeared on the IT market, bringing with it the unique expertise and accrued experience of BAC. The Asteros Group structure also included Dialog-Kiev, Averta, and KABEST. Asteros attracted big clients like: VTB Capital, Megafon, VimpelCom, MTC, Airports in the south of Russia, and Tinkoff Credit Systems bank.

The Group's current headcount is over 1000.

2009

To accommodate for significant business growth, Asteros appointed Mikhail Erenburg as CEO. Former CEO Yury Byakov, who headed the business from 2004, was appointed Vice President of Strategic Client Relations.

Asteros launched two internally developed solutions as out-of-the-shelf products: Asteros Contact, an integration solution for client service departments and contact centers, and Asteros.EDU, a distance education system.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, became Asteros shareholder and extended a long-term loan of $20 million. Asteros deal was the first transaction for IFC in Eastern Europe's IT sector and one of the largest transactions in the Russian ICT market.

IDC rated Asteros a Top 5 IT systems integrator in Russia. CNews rated Asteros as the top company in "IT in Aviation" category.

2010

Asteros increased its market share, established SAP, Oracle and 1C deployment practices, and launched its own commercial data center.

Asteros continued regional expansion and entered Siberian and the Russian Far East markets.

Companies like Sberbank Rossii, SO UES and TNK BP joined the list of the largest Asteros clients.

Asteros completed an ambitious mission to become a top 10 Russian IT company. Asteros became the second largest Russian IT systems integrator according to IDC.

Asteros received the national "Company of the Year" award in the "IT Company" category. The jury recognized Asteros achievements in deploying innovative technologies and solutions as an important contribution to development of the largest companies in Russia.

Asteros Group employs over 1400 people.