Software Review of Abacus OneWorld (Version 1.0)

Publication Date: 2005
Published by: CGAP Technology Resource Center
Document Type: Other (PDF)

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Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of Abacus OneWorld 1.0 software

This document reviews “Abacus OneWorld 1.0” software for its institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons.

The review examines institutional fit and finds that:

• The software is designed for small to medium large microfinance institutions (MFIs) that have upto 50,000 clients;
• It is expensive, costing more than US $ 11,500 for basic modules;
• It requires technical in-house training for expertise;
• It provides the full range of bank and microfinance services, including internet and mobile banking.

The review the outlines the following pros and cons this software, developed and produced in Ireland, and implemented in three MFIs in three countries:

• Pros:
  • A long history of experience in ‘Management Information Systems for Credit Unions’ (CUBIS);
  • Excellent customer satisfaction from European users;
  • Sophisticated banking features.
• Cons:
  • No experience with off-line branches;
  • No transparent pricing on user licences and only one reference in developing countries;
  • Multi-currency still to be finalized; no ‘value added tax’ (VAT);
  • Not multi-lingual.

The review rates the software on various features, from * = poor to 4 * = best. The features are:

• Functionality: 4* ;
• Ease of use: 3*;
• Management reporting: 3 * ;
• Services: 3 * ;
• Technical capabilities: 4 *.

The review concludes by presenting information about installations and the cost summary.