News briefs

Almost two-thirds of UK organisations have scrapped applications software estimated to be worth u290m as a result of mergers and acquisitions over the past three years, according to a market study by research consultancy Metrica. Difficulty with integration rather than cost is the main reason for scrapping software and integrating diverse applications is the major issue facing IT managers after mergers or acquisitions. This issue is closely followed by the difficulty of handling data sourced by another organisation and then training staff in its use. Dealing with legacy data and integrating IT staff after a tie-up were both seen as minor issues.

SBS Software, now called Exchequer Software, has begun distributing its 32-bit accounting software system, Enterprise. The software is genuine 32-bit, object-oriented and available as a series of modules and also in client/server. The company attempted to trademark the term ‘drill-down’ last year, prompting software trade association BASDA to threaten legal action on behalf of suppliers who had been using the term for years. Company director Robert Steele denied suggestions that it had been an attempt to win publicity. But the company’s latest brochure shows it has trademarked even its advertising slogans. ‘It’s not what you do … it’s the way that you do it.’ And ‘It’s not what it does … but the way that it does it ,’ are now the legal property of Exchequer. BASDA had no comment.

Scottish Power has awarded a u250,000 contract for its cfacs financial and procurement system. The order is for general, sales and purchase ledger modules together with the purchase order and contract management system that will serve up to 300 users. The system is intended to go live on 1 April.