A thought-provoking expansion

Kiwi IT development and consultancy business Provoke Solutions has completed the first phase of its five-year offshore expansion, opening its branch in Seattle and appointing its first US-based employee.

Provoke CEO Mason Pratt announced the five-year plan in November 2010, stating his intention to establish five offices on three continents.

The Seattle branch adds to locations in Wellington and Auckland, with an announcement of an office in South-East Asia expected in early 2012.

"New Zealand needs more global businesses to help it grow and prosper," Pratt says, "and we are determined to be a part of that.

Provoke is a long-term Microsoft gold partner, and was named country partner of the year for New Zealand in this year's partner awards.

The company's first US employee is an ex-pat kiwi, 9-year Microsoft veteran Chris Johnson. A first US customer has also been secured, but Provoke is unable to release details of the deal at this stage.

Pratt says the Seattle office will have 12 to 15 staff within 12 months.

"We're serious about this," Pratt says.

"The US is a big market and we are not taking it lightly.