AP Benson has undertaken business review, process improvement, strategic development and business development activities in the IT arena. We have senior management and project management experience in the software industry. AP Benson has worked in both the contract software development and the shrink-wrapped software development and retail sectors.

Examples of work completed include:

1. Shrink-Wrapped - The development, distribution and support of desktop and online applications:
   
   
   1. 3D character animation - AP Benson assisted in the development of a 3D character animation application in a spinout company from the University of Oxford. AP Benson helped the company to refine their thinking on establishing the market potential for their application, packaging of their core technology into products (productisation) and developing their business plan to a new level of detail. The business planning included the development of thinking about distribution and support models. The assignment also included the development of a software development pipeline, development processes, version control, recruitment of individuals with suitable development skills and presentation of the development plan to investors and potential investors.
   2. Genetic analysis and risk assessment - AP Benson undertook the re-engineering of a scientific software development and publishing business into a provider of clinical genetics software and services. Over an 18 month period, we established, on behalf of our clients, relationships and opportunities with suppliers and customers throughout the USA and in the UK. We also undertook the strengthening of the software development process and the protection of intellectual property within the company. The tools produced by this organisation are now used by over 10,000 clinical and research genetics centres worldwide. AP Benson have collaborated with units at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Kaiser Permanente (a 9m member, US-based healthcare company), DeCode Genetics and GlaxoSmithKline on projects in this arena.
   3. Technology Due Diligence and Acquisition - AP Benson consultants have been involved in the technology evaluation and due diligence processes for the acquisition of clinical software by a major UK-based international pharmaceuticals company. The process involved a detailed examination of the target companies' products, development teams and software development processes. It also involved supporting the legal team of the acquiring company.
   
   
2. Contract Development - AP Benson consultants have worked on the contract development, including project management, software development, implementation and support activities, of a number of systems including the development of:
   
   
   1. An on-line quality improvement and records management application for a French Dentists' professional organisation.
   2. An on-line system for the management of patients with an inherited risk of developing heart disease for Kaiser Permanente.
   3. An on-line system for the management of patients with an inherited risk of developing cancer for University of Cambridge.
   4. The development of an on-line holiday sales application for a major UK travel industry firm.

For details of our approach to software development and IT project management, please see the IT and Internet Services section under Practice Divisions.