Oakbrook Solutions

If your goal is to secure full-time employment, locating a consulting opportunity gives you the ability to showcase your strengths and establish yourself within a specific department. Project related opportunities are typically highly visible throughout an organization and can be the perfect opportunity to show the right people what you are capable of.

First time consultants can feel a sense of relief in dealing solely with the tasks at hand, staying above the politics existing within all organizations. Consulting opportunities have been on the rise in the financial services industry and although they may come with level of anxiety questioning “what’s next”, they may also be the positive change you’ve been looking for! Even a short-term engagement can lead to a longer-term opportunity.

Could it be time to consider a consulting opportunity on your path to success?

Contributing author: Tim Buhler, Senior Relationship Manager

As Oakbrook Solutions engages in integration or system interface related projects we continue to run into the same “green screens” on client site. Although some areas have created front ends to mask the underlying technology, major changes are sometimes needed in integration or interfacing work that is done behind the scenes. The need for resources with skills around “old” technology is ever apparent but is it time for financial institutions to consider major shifts in technology platforms?

We all know the ROI on the change could be difficult to justify but the benefits of the move could be realized over time. As the US workforce ages, so does our clients ability to replace “hands-on” experience. As a niche consulting firm, Oakbrook Solutions understands the value of this type of knowledge and experience. That said, migrating to new technology can be accomplished with the right leadership, focus, and execution.

Is it time to begin the migration?

Contributing author: Tim Buhler, Senior Relationship Manager

The phrase  “systems integration project ” still strikes fear in the heart of many a CIO. Given some past experiences this is understandable. With the introduction of web-based – hosted applications with varied, cheap, and easy to use software, the ability to avoid integration projects may be impossible.

The amount of software and functionality being delivered via the web is continuing to change the client expectations. Here are just a few examples that are industry changers:

-          Mobile applications

-          BPM (Business Process Management)

-          Social Media

Just the thought of taking existing legacy applications, developing strategies, building tactical plans, and implementing any of the above seems like a daunting task. But that is exactly what may be expected going forward. Unless the legacy data can be made available and integrated with the new software paradigm, the positive impacts to the business and clients will remain elusive. At Oakbrook, we are committed to supporting our clients efforts to embrace and leverage new software via successful integration efforts.

Contributing author: Craig Cook, President