Integration
Bill Gates and others started using the buzz word convergence a long time ago - meaning the coming together of different technologies into a seamless whole. Applications would work together because they use the same digital platform in many respects.
That dream has largely been fulfilled, although perhaps not so seamlessly as expected.
We prefer now to put the emphasis on integration in order to focus on the potential benefits for our clients, rather than on the technological miracle that has occured.
We find increasing demand for an integrated approach - for example, in making legacy data available via the internet. Not all of this is rocket science - sometimes simple methods can give major gains in effectiveness.
Integration and value
As another example, the integrated approach can enhance events such as conferences through the use of linked video or interactive media. Look for the ADDED VALUE label in those sections.
Our comprehensiveness allows us to make the most of the opportunities that become apparent. The principle of integration has become part of our thinking.
Avoiding the 'enterprise' trap
We take a modest, step-by-step approach to integration compared to the purveyors of 'enterprise resource planning' (ERP) applications. Such software is magnificent when successfully applied in large companies. In smaller organisations, however, a frequent complaint is something like 'we've spent a fortune on consultants and it still doesn't work properly'.
The cost of implementation, training and ongoing consultancy can be enormous. Sometimes it seems that exisitng systems that work well are sacrificed for the sake of ERP demands. Our approach is to use relatively simple methods to link up systems that are already functioning properly. If it works, don't fix it -just make better connections with everything else.