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Computer industry

Estate Agents Turn to Software to Stay Ahead in Challenging Market

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In the midst of the property boom's collapse, Birmingham Midshires estate agency has developed a innovative software solution to stay ahead in the market. James Cox, the agency's representative, demonstrated the effectiveness of EasyMove, a software that streamlines the home-selling process, reducing bureaucracy from days to mere hours. This software, which can be operated on a portable computer, uses a pen-based interface to collect and enter data, generating accurate and compliant property descriptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • EasyMove, developed by Birmingham Midshires, reduces the home-selling process from days to hours, cutting bureaucracy by 90%.
  • The software uses a pen-based interface to collect and enter data, generating accurate and compliant property descriptions, while also producing floor plans and diagrams.
  • The system includes a module that prevents sales staff from logging off without generating leads for financial advisers, encouraging vendors to discuss mortgage requirements.
  • Birmingham Midshires invested over £800,000 in developing the software and has been refining it for two years.
  • IBM has taken on EasyMove on licence, deploying four sales people to work on the product, while also exploring the potential of this technology in other markets.
  • IBM is shifting its focus away from its own products, towards providing tailored software solutions, making a significant impact on the business computing industry.

Statistics:

  • Birmingham Midshires has invested over £800,000 in developing EasyMove and refining it over two years.
  • EasyMove can operate on a 486 PC with an IBM ThinkPad portable, or AST's GridPad, which is easier to carry and costs £2,000.
  • IBM's Paul Heathfield estimates the cost of EasyMove, including software and hardware, at £4,000 for valuation software and £4,000 for sales office, or £7,000 for both.

Sources:

  • Espiner, Tom (November 28, 1988) - General interest article on IBM's changing business strategy.
  • "IBM Unveils EasyMove, Estate Agency Software" (no date) - Newspaper article on IBM's foray into the agency business with EasyMove.
  • Birmingham Midshires publicity materials (no date) - Information on the development and capabilities of EasyMove.

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