James R. Azar is a distinguished technology entrepreneur, computer scientist, and business leader with a career spanning four decades in enterprise software development, systems management, and IT consulting.
Following successful tenures with Colonial Bank of Alabama and Computer Associates International, Azar co-founded Technology Builders Inc. in 1994. He and his partners built the company into a $30 million business focused on automated functional and performance testing for computer systems. At TBI, Azar assembled and led a team of software engineers who developed Caliber RM, an industry-leading requirements management software product. Following the company’s merger with a larger software and services company, Azar continued as vice president until 2002.
In May 2002, Azar co-founded Orasi Software Inc., where he held executive leadership positions, including senior vice president, chief technology officer, and director. At Orasi, Azar and his teams built multiple commercial software products for enterprise clients. He also established and led a consulting organization of more than 120 professionals specializing in automation and performance testing for medium and large corporate customers. Under his leadership, Orasi expanded internationally, establishing Orasi Canada and Orasi India Private Ltd. Azar continues to serve on the board of directors for all three organizations.
In 2005, Azar founded and operated Rhino USA, which provides secure data backup services to small and medium-sized businesses, helps organizations safeguard critical data, and enhances its clients’ resilience against data loss and cybersecurity threats.
In addition to his industry achievements, Azar has contributed to the academic community with publications in prominent journals for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Association for Computing Machinery. He is also the named inventor on multiple patents.
Azar earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science at UA and has served more than 25 years on the Department of Computer Science Industrial Advisory Board and the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering External Advisory Board.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Azar enjoys swimming and mountain biking. He resides in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife, Denise, and has three adult children.