Jewson‘s 385 branches are being linked together in a new IT software deal with FutureLink.
It is one of the UK’s largest application service provision (ASP) deals to date, said to be costing ‘a significant sum’.
ASP involves software being rented over the internet instead of the need to purchase new computers/software.
It is expected to save Jewson time and money, resulting in less paperwork, quicker access to information and cutting down the need for branch managers to travel.
The fully managed and packaged service for the back-office branch computer systems uses Microsoft Office 2000 Suite and will provide management with access to Word, Excel and Power Point. Microsoft Outlook replaces Jewson’s old text-based e-mail system.
In theory, Jewson managers equipped with browsers can access any information they need at home via a satellite television screen.
Jewson’s IT infrastructure manager David Hall said: ‘ASP is an ideal solution for Jewson, enabling us to quickly introduce valuable office productivity and messaging software into our UK outlets. This allows our management staff to access the new applications through a web browser from any of our locations.’
FutureLink’s commercial vice-president David Mills said Jewson was taking a leading position as a branch-based company by taking up ASP.
