A Software Success Story for the '90s TIME TO INVEST IN A NETWORK Globoid International, a financial-services conglomerate, has spent millions of dollars on personal computers, communications gear, and software. But even in its headquarters, workers can't communicate over the PCs or share information with each other. It's time, Globoid decides, to link all that technology together on a computer network. Globoid tells some of its suppliers of its intentions, and the competition begins A SUPPLIER IS SELECTED Software makers, consultants, network installers, and systems-integration companies make their pitches. Globoid tells them it wants a system that lets analysts and salespeople communicate via computer and also works with the software packages they already use on their PCs. Proposals pour in, and the field is narrowed. Globoid finally chooses AcmeNet, a software maker with networking expertise SUBCONTRACTORS ARE ENLISTED For products and services that it can't supply by itself, AcmeNet approaches subcontractors. After evaluating Globoid's hardware needs, for example, AcmeNet determines that it will have to install powerful personal computers called file servers that will control the new networks. AcmeNet calls Big Box Computer Corp. and several other hardware makers and asks them for their best prices on the required gear EMPLOYEES GET THEIR TWO CENTS IN A team of AcmeNet programmers arrives at Globoid to interview a wide range of Globoid employees. They study work routines and assess how new technology could help. A sales manager says she needs to be able to sort information on clients in different ways, such as by Zip Code or by the revenue they generate for Globoid. A salesperson says he wants to keep records of clients by their hobbies so he can organize outings for them A CUSTOM SYSTEM BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE AcmeNet technicians start pulling together all the components for the project. Programmers customize packages to fit Globoid's routines. They write software that tracks sales to clients worldwide and reminds sales- people when to call prospects who are interested in particular products such as a new short-term CD. It even develops an electronic training program to help new employees learn the system faster THE SHAKEDOWN CRUISE Employees in a few departments are trained to use the system. After a few weeks, they submit critiques, which AcmeNet uses to write final fixes. One example: Financial analysts want charts and graphs in reports, so graphics software is added to the word-processing package. Slowly, other Globoid workers join the network. Every step of the way, AcmeNet employees are there to hold the hands of nervous Globoid officials.

Updated Aug. 25, 1997 by bwwebmaster
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