Why did MCI buy SHL Systemhouse?
ROSS: Our customers have been telling us for two or three years that they want a single point for communication and computer needs. The line is blurring. We had formed an operation within MCI to offer computing services, and became comfortable with SHL as a partner. That led to the decision to leverage the expertise and offer a single source. The two companies also fit well culturally. SHL is recognized as a leading technology company, MCI is a leader in sales and marketing and has a world-class distribution system. MCI will stand in front of SHL with great financial support. WT: What does the demand for such synergy mean for the infotech industry? ROSS: If you think about trends in business, you see that companies want to virtualize. Companies are downsizing. Technology must therefore help make business decisions, like how do you profit from the Internet, how do you become global. Speed is one of the most important things. To accomplish any of those things, the computer/communication
ROSS: Our customers have been telling us for two or three years that they want a single point for communication and computer needs. The line is blurring. We had formed an operation within MCI to offer computing services, and became comfortable with SHL as a partner. That led to the decision to leverage the expertise and offer a single source. The two companies also fit well culturally. SHL is recognized as a leading technology company, MCI is a leader in sales and marketing and has a world-class distribution system. MCI will stand in front of SHL with great financial support. WT: What does the demand for such synergy mean for the infotech industry? ROSS: If you think about trends in business, you see that companies want to virtualize. Companies are downsizing. Technology must therefore help make business decisions, like how do you profit from the Internet, how do you become global. Speed is one of the most important things. To accomplish any of those things, the computer/communication
