'There is a range of possible options, from the simpler to the more sophisticated:X009 page 010.01 Mel,Tom,Colin Document 01/11/91- Paper and spreadsheets
- PC LAN
- AS400
- Mainframe package
- Mainframe own build
From these the best option looks at present to be the PC LAN. The paper and spreadsheets option would regularise what happens now - and the more complex or unusual cases will always need some degree of such individual analysis - but this option would not draw the information together for reporting, analysis and reinsurance and would not automate the data flow. A suitable mainframe package is unlikely to be found and could involve data conversion at four locations, as would the own build option, which would also be too expensive - although the new Australian system is worth looking at if only for good ideas. The AS400 would be similar in price to a PC LAN, but would allow a more restricted and expensive set of MIS and analysis tools, would not be able to take advantage of existing PC equipment and systems, and could not so readily be used for other jobs.
... The favoured solution would involve a PC or PC Local Area Network (LAN) at each major location, all running a common system and each linked to ther local main computer. The PC LANs would be linked together, generally by diskette transfer using a common format, possibly electronically between major locations. ...
A link to each local computer would be needed to draw information into the MIS, and to push data back down to the main systems. The exact form of the link would vary according to the local hardware and systems, and would require the help of the local computer department.'
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© Clare Tagg 2000