UK software and systems houses need continental partners in all the major European markets if they are to be in a position to capitalise on the opportunities after 1992, and SD-Scicon Plc yesterday announced that it was hoping to come to a friendly agreement with Sligos SA, Paris that would enable both companies to retain their independence. The two companies are establishing working parties to make recommendations on how they can collaborate on market development, research and development, products and technology, and are being asked to report within six months. SD-Scicon reckons its greatest strength is in systems integration and says that Sligos is strongest in credit card administration systems.