Independent advisory company Marosi Ltd – the name stands for Marketing Open Systems Internationally – was set up in July last year with the express purpose of carrying the open systems message to end-user organisations, manufacturers and consultants, and is now ready to offer a full range of information and consultancy services to users considering or already embarked on an open systems policy. Rather than offer the normal product-specific training courses run by software distribution companies such as Sphinx Ltd – which Ms Gray founded early in 1983 – Marosi concentrates instead on strategic issues, and offers both packaged information and specifically-tailored information services. Initial products include a monthly review which alternates between marketing and technical issues, a series of subscription reports on open systems subjects, seminars, and special services, such as a standards tracking service. According to Ms Gray there is a huge demand from end-users for more information about open systems, particularly in such areas as migration co-existence, and the transition from proprietary systems to Unix. Initial demand, particulary from the larger corporates, has been strongest for custom consultancy services. Marosi could also provide users with a much needed focus providing feedback to software and hardware suppliers, a role that X/Open is at last beginning to address through its Xtra programme. Ms Gray hopes that with backing from users, Marosi will be able to bring influence to bear on the industry, particularly in areas where applications required by end users have not been offered by the manufacturers. The company is also organising the seminar programme for the forthcoming Open Solutions Show at Olympia, London, June 19 to 21, and is planning a further conference in November. It also hopes to take on the production of a Unix product directory similar in scope to the US UniForum directory, which currently runs to over 1,000 pages. Ms Gray is hoping to sell advanced subscriptions for this venture to help out with funding. Another special project is a report on open systems value-added-resellers in the UK. Ms Gray estimates that there are currently only around 500 resellers competent to deal in the open systems market. On the future prospects for the company, Ms Gray looks to record turnover of UKP500,000 in the first year, but says growth will be constrained by people available rather than demand – specialist Unix consultants are hard to find in the midst of the skills shortage. Initially focused on the UK and the rest of Europe, Marosi intends to look to the US in the future. The company is based in Ascot, Berkshire. – John Abbott
