Prudential Chamberlain Stiehl: The Evolution of an IT Architecture for a Residential Real Estate Firm, 1996-2001

Abstract

This case describes the evolution of an IT architecture for Prudential Chamberlain Stiehl Realtors (PCSR), a 14-office, 250-sales-agent real estate firm located in Southeast Michigan. Initially, the CIO of the firm concentrated on providing basic connectivity to sales agents and a simple World Wide Web (WWW) presence. Although this was accepted by users and moved the firm forward technically, management questioned the value of this technology. In the next phase of development, PCSR worked to build a “rich” set of applications that enhance the firm’s relationships with clients and agents. At the end of the case, the CIO ponders future moves in technology and their impact on the firm’s strategy.