That wasn't one of the decade's more spectacular computer mishaps. Rather, it was Quantum's planned execution of a swift cutover from its aging legacy business systems to an integrated enterprise resource management system based on the full suite of Oracle Corp.'s manufacturing and operations applications. But instead of bringing up the applications piecemeal, Quantum decided to convert to the full suite all at once worldwide. On May 5, Quantum switched on the new system, and it has been running it successfully ever since. With roughly 750 users in 25 locations, it is one of the largest distributed business systems to go live worldwide at one time, according to the vendors and consultants involved.
Companies can test new systems until the cows come home, but if a flaw is missed, chaos ensues.
Some companies may deploy a single module, such as a human resources application, in one step. Mass. But the big-bang approach was the only option Quantum considered. The company desperately needed to integrate its business systems quickly, and the big-bang approach seemed the best way to do it. Quantum had bought Digital Equipment Corp.'s storage business in October 1994. But Quantum also inherited an assortment of computers that couldn't talk to one another, and the company's sales reps and business managers could not get a real-time snapshot of financial data across the enterprise.