Merging two companies is a complicated task. You may have thought that computers help make the transition much smoother. This may be true in some respects, but on the other hand, computers also complicate things in some ways. It can be very difficult to reorganize the computerized systems of two separate companies into one smooth-running entity.

Not Speaking

As an example of how computers complicate rather than simplify such mergers, we need only look at software . If each company has its own software programs, once the two companies merge, they now have many software programs that may not "speak" well with each other. Or perhaps the various programs duplicate functions and purposes. What is the merged company to do about this situation?

Should the company get rid of all systems and buy yet another program, or is it possible to rework all the programs into one whole that is better than the sum of its varied parts? Researchers at Sweden's Mälardalen University are working to find the answers to these questions along with the solutions to these sticky business software situations.

Malardalen University's Rikard Land who is affiliated with this institution's Department of Computer Science and Electronics made the topic his thesis entitled: "How to Succeed with In-House Software Systems Integration and Merge—Observations concerning Architecture and Process."

Modern Trends

Land discussed two modern merger trends that can be observed. One trend has to do with the general increase in the use of software which has become indispensable as an aid to performing work tasks. The second trend has to do with constant structural and organizational changes in businesses and their systems as a result of mergers and the reorganization these mergers entail.

Land says that as we become dependent on specific software systems, the constant evolution of businesses and systems create a problem in which newcomers or workers who have moved to a different depar...