Norwalk company does computer work for Cedar Fair

In today's Toledo Blade there is a story about a Norwalk computer company, that among other clients, has done work for Cedar Fair. According to the story, they have integrated networks from the 5 new Paramount Parks and have done the wireless setup at the CP resorts and Doughnut Time. Just thought I'd share.

So they talked about the work they've already done in the past for Cedar Fair and integrating the 5 parks from the Paramount acquisition.

How about talking in terms of what they have planned for the future?

We all know there's wireless access in the lobby at Breakers and at Donut Time. Sorry, I'm a little less than enthused about it. When are the plans for complete wireless coverage in the park?

I'm guessing this is the firm that is handling the computers that scan passes at the gates so that the former Paramount passes will bring up the photos on screen.

Let's talk in terms of what upgrades you're planning that the public will see, not internal infrastructure. So they've done the small wireless access points in the park and are integrating the Paramount databases....

I think Adam Sandler said it best....."WHOOPITYDOOO!!"

I think that article was more about the computer company itself than CF's plans to use technology.

Unfortunately that was the case, Tim.

I guess I was hoping for something more. Dang them and their advertising news stories.

Integrating networks is easy. Integrating software systems, especially given the difference in age between them, is something entirely different. If you've seen a computer screen anywhere at Cedar Point, you've probably seen some ancient terminal-based applications. The Paramount Parks were so far beyond that stuff.

I worked for a small company once that had acquired several other small companies, and the overall problem is always the integration of accounting systems so you can tell at a moment's notice what the health of the company is. If you have CRM and/or ERP systems as well, it gets far more complicated than a little company in Norwalk could handle.

Not dissing the company, just saying that I'm sure there's a much bigger picture.

^ You sure got that right Jeff. The computers used in the admissions office at CP have got to be older than I am. I guess they serve their purpose, but there are much better systems out there.

It seems like the IT department at Cedar Fair takes on the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" attitude. That's unfortunate.

If only the "ride safety" department would take that approach....

I think the IT department probably takes more of the "we'll do what we can with the budget we're given" approach.

A good IT dept would convince the people that make the budgets that its worth their money to spend more on IT because it will save them in the long run. At least that's what I do.

JuggaLotus said:
If only the "ride safety" department would take that approach....

Did you forget the ;)?

I thought we already had this discussion. I don't think the park's current technology state has anything to do with the IT department's inability to persuade.

^^ - Nope. I'm serious about that one. The ride safety department really does need to take an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach.

See Corkscrew.

I would think that department heads have more to do with the lack of technology upgrades than IT.

Everyone is so quick to jump on CF/CP for the "Green Screen Terminal Based Applications" when they really do not know (or understand) what type of system they are linked to. The business computer system used is a very up-to-date and voted most realiable AS/400 or i5 system from IBM. This system will make any PC look like childs play. Yes, they do use terminals in the park by why spend money on needless PC's and infructure if it is not needed. This computer is capable of anything (including embedded Windows IFS Servers on-board, PC's linked via IP and various other devices) they want to do and it is the best for integrating other systems and software. I personally work with one of these machines at my office and we are running "SAP" (if anyone here knows what that is) on ours. Let's get our facts straight before posting and let the CF/CP IT staff do their job.

Dude, my facts are quite straight. AS/400's are expensive to own and maintain, mainly because the talent pool is thinning. Doesn't matter what the specs are, because you can get equivalent performance from Intel hardware with MS SQL for a whole lot less. The whole joke about "big iron" is about IBM and the stuff they push. Try to find an AS/400 at Google. It won't happen.

Terminal-based apps suck. They're not robust, they're not responsive enough and frankly they're ugly too.

SAP should be called POS since its a piece of ... well you know. One of the companies I worked for implemented that thing and it was the most UNuser friendly application I've used. Maybe it made sense in German, but it didn't in English.

And, if CPs system is so powerful, they'd be integrating more functions into it like everything we've been talking about for months, if not years. There must be some reason most of the world has moved past AS/400 systems.

Dude, to put it in your language, yes the AS/400/i5 system is more expensive but infinitely more reliable. They tend not to get the "Blue Screen of Death". Yes, I don't think I have seen that! Compaines that care about high availability and reliability will and do see the point.

News Flash, most of the larger manufacturing companies in the world today are running or are getting ready to transition to SAP. It must not be so bad.

I would agree terminal based apps are not as pretty but who needs pretty for data entry/inquiry. This is a business not play time.

There is no point in continuing this discussion as you refuse to see or enertain other systems benefits.

SAP put me in the hospital. Stay away from it, if possible.

MrScott