Also, we have offices around the world, and asset managers and directors of real estate are constantly traveling, so it would benefit them if they could bring up the system on their notebook computers. Another benefit Walker seeks is to provide Whirlpool's executive management team with a Web-based tool for accessing property portfolio information. We want to better manage the projects in which we are involved. Walker's hunch that that is best accomplished in an Internet environment is well founded, according to those developing and implementing such systems for the real estate industry. OneWorld Property Management automates such functions as project and facilities management, electronic procurement, lease administration, human resources management and customer relationship management.
Rains sees a market for both environments going forward.
Some time ago, people thought ASPs were the future, and everything was headed in that direction. In fact, some ASPs have struggled to be profitable, and lots of companies want to control their own destinies. So I think there will be a mixture of conventional and ASP solutions. Sorting out one's options in migrating to an Internet environment is a complex task that should involve the input of technical, clerical, strategic and other key personnel. The Web-based solutions can make these managers more strategic and more proactive.