Page 118 - A Life - my Live - my path

My career - CASE line

whether to move towards multiplatform 102 , which was very
much in vogue. They decided to remain focused on the
IBM 103 world, while CASE line - in relation to its installed
customer base - had to follow the growing trend towards the
Microsoft environment and move further away from the IBS
model.
We were a loose element in the constellation of the group of
companies. They had decided on their strategy, and we were
not in phase with it. So, with the full agreement of IBS
management, I carried out a management buy-out and
bought the company for 1 BEF. I left the IBS group and set
up HORIZON Consulting.

My 6-year stint with the international IBS Group was of

real benefit to me. I was strongly influenced by the
principles of good corporate governance and the
systematic application of strict management rules.
I've come a long way from IRE to IBS.

All these rules and procedures were so close to good
management that they could not really be faulted.
When I subsequently found myself working for national
and international companies, explaining to senior

102The term "platform" covers both hardware and operating system. An
application is developed on a platform. If you want to increase your market
share, you need to "port" your application to other platforms. In practice, this
can involve a great deal of work, both in terms of portability and subsequent
maintenance.
103 IBM had agreed to share internal information showing that only 52% of their
customers' needs were being met. Much work remained to be done on the
installed base.
106