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Corporate Background
Forecast International was founded in 1973. Since that time, it has experienced a pattern of steady growth, characterized by a series of acquisitions, expansions and facility relocations. Today, the organization occupies two adjacent modern facilities in Newtown, Connecticut, USA, employs a highly experienced staff of 56, and is supported by a worldwide network of representatives and sales offices.
In 1989, Forecast International acquired the assets of its then-principal competitor, Defense Marketing Services (DMS), previously owned by Jane’s, Inc., based in Alexandria, Virginia, and headquartered in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, to facilitate its diversification into the automotive information field, it acquired the publishing rights to two British-owned research firms: London-based Planning Research Systems (PRS) International, and James McArdle & Associates. In 1992, the company went on to develop a relationship with the government of China’s Technical Information Development Center, as well as a series of private information sources in China. In 1993, it further established a direct information source in Moscow. These later agreements substantially improved information sourcing from these rapidly developing areas. In 1997, our contact base was further expanded with the opening of an office in Tokyo, Japan.
Approach to Research
The keystones of Forecast International's demonstrated success in
the market/special research environment are:
1) employing an experienced research staff of experts who know how and where
to acquire critical information in a timely manner, 2) equipping these individuals
with an extensive portfolio of readily accessible, highly reliable resources,
and 3) providing strong database/processing and cost-efficient production support
systems to streamline the research process.
Forecast International researchers draw from a wide variety of resources,
which are routinely cross-checked to obtain a complete and accurate understanding
of each research topic.
Sources
- Open Source Publications, Press Releases and Industry/Association Literature
- Trade Shows/Seminars/National Research Council Meetings
- Company/Agency/Government Special Inquiries
- Personal Interaction with More Than 3,000 Clients Worldwide
- Network of Internationally Based Stringers
- United Nations and Washington DC On-Site Representation
- On-Line / Internet Research
Personnel and Staffing
Newtown, CT, Headquarters Staff. There are 56 full-time associates currently employed at the company’s Newtown (Connecticut) headquarters and principal research facility. Of these, 28 are directly involved in editorial, special projects and new-product development functions, with the remainder dedicated to computer/software maintenance, production support or facility-operation functions. In addition, the company draws upon an extensive network of talented independent consultants to provide rapid response to short-term staffing needs.
Forecast International takes particular pride in the experience of its research and editorial staff, and the intellectual property that they represent. Many have distinguished industry-related backgrounds and are acknowledged experts in their fields. These staff members have an average of twelve years of individual association with FI and represent more than 480 years of combined job and industry-related experience. The incisive content of FI products is a direct outgrowth of the well-established reputation of our staff.
Off-Site Support. FI also supports a staff of editorial and special-assignment personnel in several key locations. Full-time representatives are retained at the United Nations Center in New York City, and in Washington, DC (Pentagon Desk), England, and Japan. Part-time editorial contributors are located in Moscow, Beijing, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and India and throughout Europe (East & West). Off-site editorial personnel maintain a real-time interface with the centralized computer network and databases at company headquarters, via a high-speed datalink.
Sales & Marketing. In addition to maintaining a Sales & Customer Service Center at its headquarters in the USA, the company maintains a worldwide network of sales firms and company representatives. For a complete listing, please see the “Sales Offices” tab located on the www.forecastinternational.com home page.
Security Clearance
The firm maintains qualified facilities and has personnel cleared for participation at virtually all levels of Federal Contract fulfillment.
Computer/Software Environments
Forecast International not only employs state-of-the-art computers
and software in all facets of its operations, but maintains a competitive edge
through a regular program of staff training to achieve a high productivity level.
In-house software experts provide a diverse software programming capability,
and also maintain an up-to-date, universal application software environment for
both on-site and remote staff members.
Graphics. Product appeal is enhanced by a variety of graphics
and illustrations, presentation/trade show materials, and advertising. Illustration
and graphic design are integral elements of the ongoing publication layout and
formatting process. The unique artistic ability of FI’s Graphics Department,
however, is best illustrated by the aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching custom
image designs that the staff is frequently called upon to generate.
While used primarily to support FI products, these capabilities are
available to clients to be meet their specific needs.
Hardware. Forecast International’s internal Local Area Network
(LAN) backbone runs at a speed of 1 Gb per second. The Network topology is a
Star configuration using 10/100 Mb workgroup switches. Our two sites are connected
via a fiber-optic connection to ensure the utmost reliability.
Forecast International's Network is made up of a HP PROLIANT ML
530 system running Novell Netware 5.10 providing File and Print services, and
a HP PROLIANT ML 530 G2 system running Microsoft Windows 2003 Server providing
SQL services. Our network is completely backed up each night to external DLT
media and stored off-site. Remote Access Capabilities are provided using Citrix
Metaframe.
Forecast International maintains a World Wide Web presence and mail
server using HP PROLIANT ML 350 G3 and ML 350 G4 systems, running Microsoft
Windows 2003 Server, which are connected to the Internet by means of multiple
digital T1 lines. We host numerous dynamic Web sites that employ, among other
technologies,
ColdFusion MX , Nextpage NXT4, ISAPI, and SQL backend databases. Our primary
Web site, forecastinternational..com, also employs e-commerce technology developed
using ColdFusion
MX and Verisign Merchant services. Our Web sites are developed by our in-house
IS department.
Data Security. Forecast International regularly deploys all critical software updates to protect company systems from worms, viruses and hackers. In addition it employs sophisticated fire-walling and virus detection technologies to eradicate e-mail-borne viruses and to nullify other threats. A multi-tiered approach is employed to detect and eliminate viruses at the e-mail gateway, server and desktop level.
Software. Forecast International’s in-house programming and software skills consist of the following:
- ASP (Active Server Pages)
- Borland Delphi
- CA Clipper
- ColdFusion MX
- C/C++
- HTML
- XML
- ISAPI
- Java and Javascript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word Basic and Visual Basic (macro language)
- SQL (using IBPhoenix Firebird, also called Opensource Interbase)
Business Status
Forecast International is a privately owned, small business incorporated in the State of Connecticut. Financial accounting and reporting procedures are Defense Contract Administration Service (DCAS) approved.
Physical Plant
The principal working facilities of the company are located in two adjacent buildings located in Newtown, Connecticut. Building A, owned and operated by Forecast International, comprises 15,600 square feet: 11,400 feet of prime office space and production facilities, with the remainder devoted to warehouse and storage areas. Building B, a modern co-located 5,000-square-foot facility, is shared by selected members of the editorial, special-product and advanced-product development staff.
Open Invitation
Clients and all other interested parties are invited to visit and tour the Forecast International facilities, located at 22/25 Commerce Road, Newtown, CT 06470 USA. (203) 426-0800
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