Ten Organizations Join in Computer Systems Development
Diocesan Press Service. February 27, 1975 [75082]
NEW YORK, N. Y. -- Ten different organizations within or related to the Epis- copal Church have launched a joint venture aimed at the creation and use of a common computer system. The Project is geared toward developing ways that the various separate mailing lists currently maintained by the participating organizations can be centralized into one system to reduce duplication, wasted time and materials -- serious problems identified in an initial review. It is also anticipated that a greater degree of accuracy in names and addresses, particularly those of clergymen will be achieved. Dioceses and other organizations should also be able to take advantage of this system.
The Project marks the first time that a large number of Church-related groups have joined together for a development effort of this type, with each group providing manpower and sharing a portion of the study costs. The groups initially participating in the Project are: The Executive Council, The Episcopal Church Foundation, The Seabury Press, General Convention Office, The Episcopalian, Morehouse-Barlow Co., The Church Pension Fund and Affiliates, The Clergy Deployment Office, The Association of Episcopal Colleges, and the National Association of Episcopal Schools.
According to Bishop Milton L. Wood, Executive for Administration of the Executive Council, who organized the Project and is Chairman of its Steering Committee, "The Project is expected to play a significant role in modernizing the Church's communication capability and reducing the number and cost of current systems maintained by these Church-related organizations. I'm confident that the results achieved will benefit everyone involved in the work of the Church and show the way for even greater improvements in the future."
Bishop Wood said that further details on the project will be announced later in the year, but that it is hoped the parish list and the clergy list will be completed by July.
The Project, which will run through October, is staffed by full-time systems analysts and part-time specialists from each of the participating organizations. This team is under the direction of W. Rodney Smith who reports to the Project Steering Committee comprised of senior representatives from each participating organization.