Computershare Cosmos

The re-write of the SCRIP system is progressing on schedule. This next generation of Computershare's registry system is based on a three-tier logical architecture design and carries with it the advantage that it can be adapted to run on any hardware platform capable of running under a NT operating system.

The advantage of a three-tier system architecture is that it eliminates the problems associated with larger system developments by breaking it down into more manageable units. By dividing the business solution into manageable units we reduce risk, the costs and time of development and, as importantly, simplify on-going maintenance.

The ease with which we can affect change also has the advantage that we can receive clients' feedback early in the development cycle and alter the solution rather than waiting until late in this cycle, where the impact is generally more pronounced.

We are easily able to apply changes to meet enhanced services at the business level without touching the systems business logic component, because the user service and business logic components of the system are separated. For example, it will be possible to easily develop a system that will link into IVR (touch-phone technology) to provide dividend information to shareholders or to develop a web browser interface.

Three-tier architecture will also allow the system to readily grow to meet the expanding business needs of the client.