ICL have just announced the launch of a new software system called OMNIA-VME developed in collaboration with Heywood & Partners, the specialist building society software consultancy. Apparently the package has already been adopted by three of the building societies that were involved in its design.
ICL state that OMNIA-VME (no it is not a character from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) “is designed to meet the changing needs of societies as they move into an era of deregulated financial services”, though what those needs are in precise terms they do not state! They also comment that, as a result of deregulation begun in January 1987, “societies will have to widen their role from that of just administration to a more active marketing approach focused on the customer and the services that they will require”. But just what that involves and how this package helps is not indicated! They merely claim that “societies must be able to administer the new diversity of products sold and be able to react quickly to changing market conditions to capitalise on opportunities” — absolutely!
Please send for further information, and then explain it to me, from: William Heath, ICL Press Office, London SW6 (01-788 7272).
