HOW TO BUY A
MUNICIPAL COMPUTER

Step 1 — Assess your needs Step 2 — Identify Software that fits your needs Step 3 — Identify the Operating System that runs the Software Step 4 — Identify Hardware that uses the Operating System Step 5 — Find the vendor who provides the whole package — and can support your needs, now and in the future

That's not how most municipalities choose a computer system. It seems much easier, and safer, to pick a big name that elected boards know and nod their heads at.

The reality is that software packages solve computing problems, not iron and logos.

If you find the right software to meet your municipal needs, you've got the process largely completed.

Almost. Just make sure the hardware has a range of computers you can grow with. As your municipal needs grow, make sure you can port your software upward. Make sure the system you start with isn't made obsolete with each new announcement.

That leads us to a good tip. LOCIS, and QANTEL. With LOCIS, a service of the Illinois Municipal League, you have a package that runs on a hardware line that doesn't even need computer experts. Just your staff . . . the current one.

Find out more about how QANTEL solves systems problems for all kinds of serious, people oriented operations. Like municipal governments. And it grows right along with their expanding people needs.

QANTEL . . . .
                 the municipal government computer.

Contact LOCIS
(the Local Government Computer and Information Service) 312/361-2616
or the Illinois Municipal League 217/525-1220

Page 4 / Illinois Municipal Review / February 1988