PC SYSTEMS (PSYST GA) (PCSr.AT), a subsidiary of POULIADIS GROUP (POUL GA) (POUr.AT) participated in "IST 2003", the largest European Information Technology conference that took place on 2-4 October in Milan, Italy. The conference included a number of simultaneous events, such as business meetings, granting of European IST awards, exhibitions of innovative technologies, and others. The IST 2003 exhibition took place in the premises of SMAU 2003, the second largest international exhibition of Informational.

Technology.

Within the framework of the IST 2003, companies and research institutes of Information Technology and telecommunications from all over Europe had the opportunity to promote innovative technologies and meet with potential partners.

Innovative information systems with remarkable results were presented, the application of which will positively influence the everyday life of European citizens. The OPUS project, which was developed by PC SYSTEMS, was one of the most significant projects presented in the exhibition.

OPUS (Optimal Public Procurement Service in the healthcare market) aims at the establishment of an efficient e-procurement mechanism enabling Hospitals and Pharmaceutical Suppliers to conduct transactions with electronic means and particularly the Internet.

OPUS is aided by the technologies of optimisation and business rules aiming at upgrading services such as:

• Formatting of multi-supplier catalogues

• Binding of buyer requests and seller offers

• Following the progress of specific purchase orders

• Costing out indirect procurement alternatives

• Mapping approval processes

• Solution to overstock problems

• Implementation of a distribution channel for pharmaceutical, health and beauty items

Apart from the Research and Development Division of PC SYSTEMS, which is the project's coordinator and provides know-how in e-procurement issues, 'Gnomon Informatics S.A.', a member of EUROCONSULTANTS S.A. GROUP, also participates in the project as a technological carrier specialized in the development of e-procurement systems and experienced in systems optimisation. The Greek participation is completed by the Regional Health Authority of Thessalia where OPUS will be implemented as a pilot program.

Additionally, amongst others, the following institutions participate in OPUS: the Information Technology department of the University of California at Berkeley (USA), 'Medibridge', the Belgian Company providing Medical Telematics services, 'ILOG S.A.', the French software company, the 'Health and Social Care Research Center' of The London School of Economics, the regional Health Authorities of Italy, and the European Branch of the Society of Logistic Engineers in Luxemburg.

PC SYSTEMS with its active participation in the aforesaid exhibition continues its internationally successful efforts for the utilization of innovative technologies in the sectors of information technology and telecommunications.