Due to the complexity in today’s IT world, GSI felt it necessary for the first time to assume the responsibility to insure that its customers had optimal infrastructure and support for their IT environment. GSI announced formation of a new business unit, ASCII, to focus on technology consulting, disaster recovery programs, and facilities management. “It has become apparent over the past few years that IT is the critical component for the well being of any software environment. It is our decision to take that responsibility to insure that our product works to its optimum capabilities for our customers”, said Peter Mitelman, GSI President.

“With the increasing complexity of technology today, many of our customers are overwhelmed. This set of specialized services shifts the burden and responsibility for efficient and smooth technical operations so that our customers can focus their energies on merchandising and serving their customers”, said Peter Mitelman. Immediately following the launch of ASCII, a GSI Customer engaged the firm to assume responsibility of staffing and operating the retailer’s IT infrastructure. “Our customers have enough on their hands in managing their business. Managing IT in today’s complex world is overwhelming and requires an expertise that is becoming harder to find”, noted Mitelman.

Recent events such as the fire at Nero Bianco caused GSI to survey current customers regarding routine backup and off-site disaster recovery plans. “Lack of consistent quality backups at customer sites and the failure of significant number of our customers to insure the security of their business are forcing us into this business”, said Mitelman. The fire at this Quebec City based retailer destroyed both the head office and a distribution center. Fortunately, GSI had taken a full system backup only a few days prior to the fire as part of a Version 11 upgrade effort. In the Nero Bianco case, GSI was able to reconstruct a new system and have this retailer back up and running in less than 24 hours. The firm is continuing to run remotely using servers hosted at GSI.

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