Information Systems

As a company, CSM has been dedicated from its start to maintaining the highest production values possible within budget parameters. We maintain and acquire state-of-the-art computer service and equipment. Those external services which we access provide those services at highly reduced rates, based on our overall purchasing volume, providing you with the most cost-effective publications and services possible. Our office equipment and services are available for use by our clients, giving them access to current technology at a fraction of the cost.

Database Management System:

This system combines the newest in Macintosh-IBM technology in the form of two Macintosh Power PCs. All the maintenance and printing of the membership databases is conducted on these machines, although the membership databases can be accessed from any other computer in the office in order to respond promptly to members who call in and ask questions about their records. The database management software, also used by many association management companies around the country, is FileMakerPro. The system was chosen by CSM for its ability to be expanded, both in the area of hard disk memory and in additional work stations. We also customize data base reporting for our clients' unique needs.

Account Representative Systems:

Our account executives work on a Macintosh Networked system enabling use of ZIP drives, CD-ROMs, e-mail and Web access, and file transfers.

Desktop & Web Publishing System

This system is primarily for publications of all sizes and consists of the following hardware: One PowerMacintosh 9600/350 and two Macintosh G3 computers, with double-page display monitors and extended keyboards and CD-ROM; laser printers; scanners; and MAC SE computers for editing purposes. We have developed and maintained seven World Wide Web pages and four listservs for our clients and have personalized e-mail services available for all clients.

Software includes:

Microsoft Word for word processing; Pagemaker by Adobe for composition; QuarkXpress for composition; Photoshop and OmniPage for image and type scanning; Illustration programs including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and a number of electronic and CD clip art/photo files; Netscape & Internet Explorer for Web access; Eudora for e-mail; GoLive and Front Page for web site updating; and numerous other operational enhancement and system backup software packages.

Our NEC fax machines enables us to set up networks of faxed communications for our clients. Each client is billed separately for their faxes through the use of client codes and the long-distance provider.

CSM also maintains a computerized Pitney Bowes mailing system, which maintains separate accounting of each client's mailing expenses.