Ann Arbor "Spark" Helps to Recruit Barracuda Networks to Ann Arbor
California-based Barracuda Networks is planning to open a new office in Ann Arbor after a successful recruiting effort by Ann Arbor Spark. Barracuda plans to initially employ a team of eight engineers, but is planning to recruit more employees from the Ann Arbor area.
Speaking to Metromode's Great Lakes IT Report, Ann Arbor Spark's CEO, Michael A. Finney, attributed a part of the recruiting success to the so called "Google Effect". "Barracuda's choice of Ann Arbor for its new office is reflective of the 'Google effect,'" said Michael A. Finney, Ann Arbor Spark's CEO. "We're getting more and more requests from companies on both coasts following Google's lead. Interest is growing among fast-growing, knowledge-based companies interested in our region and our exceptional talent pool." One important factor in Barracuda's decision was Ann Arbor's local universities such as the University of Michigan.
Barracuda provides network security appliances for comprehensive e-mail, Internet and IM protection. Its global customer base includes Adaptec, Caltrans, CBS, Georgia Institute of Technology, IBM, NASA, Pizza Hut, Union Pacific Railroad Company, and the U.S. Treasury Department.
Ann Arbor Spark is the economic development agency for Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor Spark worked closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the University of Michigan to attract Barracuda to Ann Arbor.
