CBA Abacus Ltd. was formed in
1994, to provide computer systems and services, for antiques dealers'
and now encompasses other businesses. The foundation of the company
was based on the knowledge and 30 years experience of Christine
Bridge (Antiques) and her partner Darryl Bowles, whose 20 plus
years experience in the computer software industry combined to
provide
the necessary skills and expertise. |
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1992 saw the commencement of the
first ABACUS system which was developed using CA Clipper, a DOS
database system. DOS was the preferred choice as Windows was notoriously
unstable at this time. By 1994 the system had been vetted by HM
Customs and Excise and was being sold purely by word of mouth recommendation
and trade press articles, where it was favourably reviewed. 1996
heralded our first web site which was www.bridge-antiques.com and
which is thriving to this day having received several rebuilds to
keep abreast with new technology. |
The Abacus system is being updated regularly, to add new
features and conform to changes to the VAT regulations
(UK).
1997 was the year that Abacus was first sold in the USA,
after changes to the system to take account of state tax
in place of VAT, also there were terminology changes, as
well as some additional functionality which was later included
in the UK version.
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The Abacus system has a broad
user base, from Portobello Road stall holders to Mayfair galleries
and
Maastricht Fair exhibitors. It is used by many chairmen, past
and present, of the BADA, British Antiques Dealers' Association.
This
also applies to the provision of internet services, consultancy
and the design, building and hosting of web sites. |
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