Project Everest Part Two

Once upon a time there was a company that manufactured substandard personal computers. That company was called Packard Bell. The people running Packard Bell decided it would be a good idea to sell their brand new computers with used parts in them at retail stores across the land. They also thought it was good to produce their computers with proprietary components so end users couldn't upgrade their PCs on their own if they wanted to. Swapping out parts on a failed Packard Bell computer was a nightmare. After a few years of abuse customers finally became so angry that they stopped buying shoddy Packard Bell computers. As a direct result this company was forced out of the US market. Nobody was sorry to see them go.

Around the time that Packard Bell pulled the plug on their US operations and ditched some of their upper management staff, our fearless leaders at corporate were doing a little head hunting for talent. They hired in one of the former Packard Bell guys. Note to the top dogs: It's probably not a good idea to hire corporate managers from failed companies. The reason why is because someone had to sink the ship, so to speak, and if they were capable and willing to do that in the past they'll more than likely torpedo the boat again if you give them the opportunity.

Shortly after the ex-Packard Bell manager joined us he began to act like a used car dealer. He spent a large amount of time making a hard sell for our company to abandon internally designed software systems. In his mind, worldwide streamlining of operations was a priority. Customers were complaining that it was too troublesome when placing orders for our instruments, making this process easier was necessary. Sales would increase if these problems were fixed, he claimed. Fortunately for everyone he knew exactly who to go to for solutions. This man of few ideas spoke openly about a magical Oracle. Glorious promises of short term profit increases and reduced overhead costs were made by the outsider from Packard Bell. Unable to resist his amazing business plan our top dogs at corporate HQ gathered together and gazed with wonder towards the Oracle. So it came to pass that a journey was undertaken to seek this Oracle and claim it as our own.