AN ABINGDON software developer will take on more staff, after mobile communications giant Motorola bought an 18 per cent stake.

Although B2M was unable to say how many new jobs will be created at its Steventon offices, it indicated they are likely to be in sales and marketing.

Its software is installed in thousands of hand-held mobile devices carried by service engineers and couriers, where customers are asked to electronically sign for parcels or groceries they have delivered.

The technology, which allows managers to spot a problem and what caused it, is also used in easyJet’s hand-held computers which allow passengers to check-in and pay for excess baggage and other services anywhere in an airport.

Others who rely on B2M’s smart software include BT, Psion and Motorola.

The firm opened offices in the US last year and said it will use the Motorola investment to expand its share of the American market.

Chief executive Julie Purves, who launched B2M 12 years ago after working in IT for firms such as Fujitsu and Nokia, said: “A supermarket or big delivery firm could use thousands of hand-held devices, so it represents a huge investment.

“This software is developed to be able to tell them why they are not working, rather than just that they are not working.

“It might be the courier is not using the handset properly, they forgot to charge it overnight, or it’s a faulty handset or poor mobile coverage.

“But if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

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