CONTACT INFORMATION

Blue Heron Consulting Corp.
www.blueheron-consulting.com

Gina Johnson
703-764-1282
ginajohnson@blueheron-consulting.com

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 1, 2003 - Blue Heron Consulting Corp. Today introduced an innovative new program for upgrading the utility customer information system (CIS), without the expense and staff commitment of undergoing a complete vendor package upgrade. The CIS Modernization Program, launched today at the CIS Conference in Nashville, is a series of targeted upgrades to the CIS systems, imparting many of the benefits of a full CIS package upgrade without the massive commitment of resources.

"Utilities no longer need to devote tremendous dollars and resources to massive vendor package upgrades to get the CIS enhancements they need," says Steve Northrup, president and CEO of Blue Heron Consulting. "Blue Heron’s phased approach enables the utility to make targeted enhancements to its legacy or package CIS, and spread the implementation costs over several years."

Through the CIS Modernization Program, utilities implement the latest technology to resolve particular pain points, while keeping costs and complexity to a minimum:

• Replace green screen system navigation with client/server, Web browser user interface.
• Replace outdated programming languages (e.g., Smalltalk, CICS Cobol, etc.) with XMLcompliant languages.
• Replace outdated, proprietary middleware with state-of-the-art, open-architected
• Leverage new CIS Web-enabled platform for other strategic applications.

By creating a platform for high-impact enhancements, CIS Modernization can extend the life of the utility’s customer care system by seven to 15 years. Blue Heron’s targeted approach enables the utility to free up IT staff and save 75 percent to 90 percent off the cost of a full package upgrade.

"Best of all," says Northrup, "the entire CIS Modernization Program can be implemented using dollars already budgeted for CIS support and maintenance." Utilities taking advantage of Blue Heron’s maintenance agreement—at rates approximately half those of the typical vendor service agreement—can apply this savings directly to CIS Modernization. Blue Heron estimates that most clients will see a return on the investment within two to three years.

About Blue Heron Consulting Corp.
Founded by experienced utility professionals, Blue Heron Consulting is a management consulting and technology services firm specializing in utility strategy and implementation. Objectively and affordably, Blue Heron Consulting delivers the premium consulting and outsourcing expertise—from CIS/CRM services and training to business continuity and disaster recovery planning—to help utilities of all sizes realize their maximum value. For more information about the Rochester, New York-based firm, visit www.blueheron-consulting.com.

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