Paul Naismith CEO PCA NU SYSTEMS September 2005 “Just Make it Work – The Importance of IT Infrastructure” Pharmacy 2005 Couran Cove - Queensland

Current Projects Mediconnect (Healthconnect)  Pharmacy/Govt/Doctor Link – Ceased Dec 04 PBS Online - Real time HIC claims Promise – Intervention Reporting Integrated EFTPOS and Loyalty Solutions Ordering/Trading Exchanges via Web Next Generation Dispense and POS Broadband Usage - nuNET  Voice Over IP Telephony (VOIP)  Online Backup Offsite via Internet

Common Themes Information Sharing Communications to 3 rd Parties Internet Based Non have a common platform  Web Services  Flat File  FTP  Dial Up Communications

Challenges Faced Lack of Common IT Platform in Store  More than 80% not on Current Operating System 50% Windows 98 or older 35% DOS Based Dispense System  Less than 10% have a Dedicated Server in Store  Until June 2005 less than 15% had broadband internet. Now 90% thanks to subsidy.

Challenges Faced (cont)  Low IT investments Pharmacy IT Spend (less than 1% of T/O) Dispense $2500 per year and POS $2500 per year Hardware Lease $5000 per year Most don’t budget for IT Training, Software or Hardware Upgrades UK Figures Health 1-2% (maybe up to 3% with NHS multi billion funding) Financial Services 7%  Low IT Skills In Store Very few pharmacies have dedicated IT Staff

The Solution Managed Hosted IT Services  Hosted Solutions via the Internet  Take the technology out of the store Advantages Pay as you go, lower capital costs Technology issues are with the provider Easy to Update and keep up to date  Examples – Ready Today NUHQ – Store Retail Management JR Bizlink – Accounting/BAS Hosted Exchange – , Calenders epothecary.com.au

Hosted Solutions Challenges Internet Access  High Speed Internet until recently not available to many remote pharmacies Speed and Reliability  If ADSL is not available via internet is too slow or too expensive  Improving reliability but need alternatives for when the internet is down  Variability of service The Customer Experience  Feature rich user interface a challenge to reproduce on the internet

Hosted Solutions Answers Internet Access Improving every day Design Software Specifically for Hosting  Eg Outlook offline/online mode  Web Services to Suppliers/HIC/Banks Over the next 3-5 Years hosted solutions will dominate Pharmacy IT We will still have in store IT requirements going forward

Improve In Store Infrastructure Employ IT Staff in each Store or Outsource Managed IT Services in Store  Dedicated Server in Your Store Managed and Possibly Owned by your IT provider Continually upgraded and monitored as required Rented Solution (pay per Computer) Bundled with high speed internet access and control Only used for approved applications and services

Server-Based Networking Is Revolutionizing The Way Small Businesses Operate A server is a network computer that manages shared resources, like data files, schedules, contacts or access to a printer. A server allows you to leverage existing investments in desktop PCs, laptops, other devices and business productivity software. Small businesses can now affordably harness the business value of powerful technology that, until recently, was expensive and complicated to purchase, install and administer. Windows Small Business Server 2003 is quickly becoming the #1 choice of small businesses to run those servers.

Top Ten Reasons To Use Windows Small Business Server Create a central and secure place to store critical business information 2.Guard against data loss 3.Ensure network security, thoroughly and easily 4.Keep your business up and running 5.Access information from anywhere, anytime and any device 6.Improve team performance through enhanced collaboration 7.Increase sales and reduce costs by analyzing and managing your business with line-of-business applications 8.Reach more customers and serve them better, all day, every day 9.Get up and running quickly and easily 10.Get a platform that is easy to grow with today and tomorrow

Which way forward? Improve In Store IT Infrastructure  Add Managed Dedicated Server to ALL Stores Offer Managed In Store Services (Fully outsourced IT) Remote Diagnostics and Server Management Suggest In Store Hosted Microsoft SBS 2003 Server  Managed Broadband for all Stores Firewall, Content Filter, Antivirus Encourage government to continue to subsidise managed Broadband services for pharmacy

Which way forward? We need to be able to Demonstrate IT Investment produces bottom line benefits  A Supermarket is expecting $4.5 billion saving on supply chain efficiency over next 5 years led by IT improvements.  Brands can demonstrate value of improved IT Priceline Model Dedicated Server already Sees IT as key enabler for the brand

More Information Contact Details Paul Naismith Phone: Web: