One of the great challenges that develops during an airline disaster --or any crisis --is retrieving information on corporate operations. Often this data is found in many different places in an organization, stored on computer networks or platforms that may not be accessible from a common point.
Into this void has stepped Joanne Hale, an assistant professor of management information systems at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. The computer science professional has designed a prototype system for a group of large corporations with whom she is working under a non-disclosure agreement. The prototype system, and adaptations of it installed at these companies, allow tapping into databases and other computer records regardless of whether they are on the same network.
While she is working mostly with large, multi-national corporations, Hale said her concept can be applied --and is affordable to -- smaller companies as well. A version of her networking capability can be developed for as little as $5,000, she said, although costs could reach $100,000 for a large global corporation. (Hale, 205/348-0854)