PeopleSoft began as a software company that delivered its first product, a human resources system, to business in the mid 1980s. It then added financial systems for business and developed a billion dollar company. At this time, over 400 universities have purchased and are installing this software. The budget includes full technical support from PeopleSoft.
All universities receive access to technical support as part of the software purchase price.
In addition, the UWM budget includes an annual maintenance fee which provides access to continuous improvements and major product upgrades. UWM hopes to minimize the number of modifications to the software and indeed budgeted with this as a major assumption. UWM is beginning its project after 400 other universities tackled similar projects. We are in no danger of being the first to go live with this product. UW System Administration has retained a consultant, Alan Decker, from Cambridge Technology Partners to help UW System campuses with their planning.