Computer bug-busting company Sophos has opened a new office in Japan to cope with growing demand, writes David Duffy.

Overseas sales now account for more than 60 per cent of sales and the company is developing an additional 150,000 sq ft high-security research and development centre in Abingdon.

Asia is seen as a key strategic market for Sophos, and sales have been increasing rapidly for several years. Key investments have been made in Japan and Australia, with China and Singapore on the short-term horizon.

Alan Broderick, formerly head of international development at Sophos, has been appointed as managing director of the new subsidiary, providing sales and technical support to Sophos customers and partners in Japan and neighbouring countries.

He said: "It is important in Japan to have a local presence where support can be given from close proximity to the market.

"By working with partners on an hour-by-hour basis, the new office will meet the high demand in Asia for our products and continue our outstanding level of support."

Sophos is planning new offices in several locations around the world and will recruit over 100 new technical, sales and marketing staff this year to accommodate the huge growth in demand for its products.

Meanwhile insurance group Norwich Union has chosen software from Sophos to protect 22,000 computers from bugs. Norwich Union, which recently merged with GNU, is the UK's largest insurance group.