Catalyst and Context Computing
               ==============================
                      April 1997


History
-------

Context Computing has been a subcontractor to Catalyst Electronic Publishing 
since November 1994. During this time Context Computing has sucessfully 
delivered:
<p>
<table>
<tr>
 <td>  Esmerk Import Filter </td><td>(C++)           </td>
</tr>
<tr>
 <td>  Esmerk Extension     </td><td>(C++)           </td>
</tr>
<tr>
 <td>  Croner Converter     </td><td>(Perl)          </td>
</tr>
<tr>
 <td>  Technical Indexes    </td><td>(Omnimark)      </td>
</tr>
<tr>
 <td>  Scots Law times      </td><td>(Omnimark)      </td>
</tr>
<tr>
 <td>  British Gas (HRL)    </td><td>(Perl)          </td>
</tr>
<tr>
 <td>  Topley & Wilson      </td><td>(Omnimark)      </td>
</table>

In addition to these major projects there has been work on day to day running of 
the Croner Converter, Sales Support and training.

However these sucesses have been soured by a succession of policy changes 
within Catalyst, each of which have tried to redefine the basis of the 
relationship. Context Computing brings considerable technical, academic and 
management expertise to its projects but has consistently been used in 
non-managerial roles. 


Context Computing Philosophy
----------------------------

Context Computing is dedicated to implementing technical solutions to 
the problems of information provision. These problems encompass both the 
conversion of data from one format to another and the management of that 
process. 

It is only possible to deliver the highest levels of quality, both in 
product and process, by taking advantage of automatic techniques. 

Consequently Context Computing is comitted to developing open systems;
using SGML, Perl (and Java) over the World Wide Web.

Similarly Context Computing is committed to open, non-heirarchical management. 
What this means in practice is that projects are decomposed into 
'person-size' projects which can be owned by an individual from inception to completion.

Conclusion
==========

There has been, since the departure of Philip Bacon, a conflict between the 
culture of Context Computing and Catalyst Electronic Publishing. 

As we find ourselves at another crossroads it is necessary to resolve this 
long standing conflict. 


Ways Forward
------------

<ul>
<li> Implementation, by Context Computing, of the Catalyst Intranet. This process to 
involve a radical rethinking of all aspects of Catalyst Business practice. 

<li> Phased replacement of Tim Pizey's services by another Context Computing consultant. 

<li> Phased replacement of Context Computing's services by a Catalyst 
employee, recruited and trained by Context Computing. 

<li> Context Computing only to undertake formally defined packages of work, with terms and conditions 
to include an expenses charge for visits to the Catalyst site.

</ul>