Corporate Background

Corporate Background

The Company

EDP has been in business for 30 years, almost as long as the computer industry itself. We are a recognised supplier of advanced technology Software Solutions for:

The Merchanting/Wholesale Distribution Industry
Client/Server database management, and
PC Networking,

and the provider of a comprehensive range of customer support and education services.

Many computer industry landmarks have been passed during that time, and EDP has adapted accordingly, keeping abreast of the rapidly changing technology.

With the increasing ownership of computer systems by individual companies, EDP moved from offering bureau services to supplying and maintaining computer hardware. EDP built a strong reputation for quality service, and became the largest NCR distributor in Europe.

The progress towards more Open standards in hardware architecture saw the advent of commodity pricing of computers, to the undoubted benefit of end users, and to troubled times for some famous industry names. The counter to this was a move into software.

The 1986 acquisition of Business Computer (Systems) Limited saw EDP's first move towards software, and with it brought a wealth of experience of the Distribution Market. Existing BCL customers were soon to see the benefits of EDP's financial input with the launch, in 1987, of a brand new software package called MERCHANT, which very quickly became a market leader.

The 1995 acquisition of BML (Office Computers) Ltd, with its CHARISMA package, brought further expertise from different sectors of the Distribution trade.

EDP has extended this move into software publishing with the setting up of Objectware Inc. (for UniVision) in 1992, and the acquisition of Via Systems Inc. (for ViaDuct and WinLink), also in 1992.

Locations

EDP PLC have offices in Colorado, USA, New York, USA, and throughout the UK. Head Office is situated at Beauchief, Sheffield, which also houses the Research and Development complex. See the full listing of our Offices.

Chief Executive and Managing Director

Richard J Jowitt

Directors

M.A.Heller - Chairman (Non-Executive)
J.Wassell - Finance Director
P.B.Lindley - Sales Director
P.R.Smith - Operations Director

Product Lines

UniVision, ViaDuct, WinLink, MERCHANT, and CHARISMA.

Revenues

UK£12.6 million world-wide (FY'97)

Employees

263 world-wide

Market Position

In 1985 Electronic Data Processing Plc became publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. Under Merchant and Charisma, EDP PLC is the brand leader in the supply of software solutions to the Merchanting/Distribution industry in the UK. We have successfully marketed our published software products, UniVision, WinLink and ViaDuct which are being installed in increasing numbers in the UK, North America, the Far East, Australasia and South Africa.

Accreditation

As a BMF recognised supplier of software to Builders, Plumbers and Timber Merchants, we are the first software house to achieve Accreditation by the Builders Merchants Federation for its implementation of MERNET EDI.

Distribution

Merchant and Charisma are available throughout the UK. Through its American office, and world-wide UniVision, Winlink and ViaDuct Channel Marketing Partners, EDP has become a truly international company.