Systems installation: one company's experience

GESCO Corporation provides information processing services for financial institutions. GESCO uses a large-scale IBM system to process customer's transactions. GESCO developed and installed a microcomputer-based network for its internal accounting. The installation of the system occurred over a two-month period. GESCO's first step was to define its system requirements. The company wanted a system that was easy to use, had built-in internal controls and audit trails, and was easy to convert to from the existing system. The company tested the systems of several vendors before settling on the ideal network. The actual installation of the system was facilitated by careful scheduling. GESCO had the technical expertise in-house to accomplish the conversion with a minimum of help from outside consultants.