In 1988, through the encouragement of a few veterinarians, the development and documentation staff of McAllister Software Systems, Inc., namely, Richard and Roger McAllister, spent the next two years developing a veterinary software system that is now known as AVImark. After two years of development, the software system known then as Veterinary Management System (VMS), was sold by McAllister Software Systems, Inc. with encouraging success. After one year of selling VMS to the veterinary industry, McAllister Software Systems, Inc. teamed up with Henry Schein, Inc. Henry Schein, Inc. became the exclusive distributor and sales agent for the VMS product. It was also at this time that the program assumed the registered name of AVImark.
It would be unfair of us, while telling the history of our company, to not mention and thank the many veterinarians and their staff members who supported us in the development of what is now the most popular veterinary software program on the market. It was their patient and persistent encouragement that kept our staff unshaken in the belief that a new veterinary software system could be provided at a reasonable cost that provided significant features and functionality. Over 95% of the features and functions of AVImark come directly from the suggestions received from veterinarians and clinic staff members. To all the veterinarians who supported us from the beginning (you know who you are) and to all of you who continue to support us, THANK YOU!. Read more
From 1989 to 1996, AVImark was offered only as a DOS-based program. By year's end 1996, there were over 2,300 veterinary clinics using the AVImark for DOS system. From 1994 to 1996, the AVImark for Windows program was developed. The Windows version of AVImark was not simply a "conversion" of the DOS program to work in the Windows environment, but rather a complete re-write of the program to operate in the Windows environment. After one year of beta site testing, the AVImark for Windows program was officially released in August 1997. In conjunction with the release of the AVImark for Windows product, McAllister Software Systems, Inc. officially assumed all software support responsibilities (previously performed by Henry Schein). As a result of this transition, from September 1996 to May 2000, McAllister Software Systems, Inc. grew from 6 employees to 46. Between May 2000 and May 2004, we added 38 additional staff members bringing the total amount of employees in 2004 to 84. With the growth of our Company, we completed construction of our 12,000 sq ft office headquarters in September 2002, located in Piedmont, Missouri (120 miles south of St. Louis). Since 2004, we have added over 30 additional employees bringing our current staff count to 114.
The value of continuity of ownership and authorship cannot be understated. We remain essentially unchanged in our company's structure, if not its size. We have almost no debt and have never been involved in any litigation. Furthermore, there are no future plans to sell, restructure, or otherwise compromise our company's stability. You will find our company to use business practices that are morally right and fair. Doing business in a small town, we pride ourselves in hiring employees of good reputation, character, and genuine, friendly personalities.
Finally, this story would not be complete without acknowledging that the future success of McAllister Software Systems, Inc. depends upon looking to the past and learning from what has consistently made our company successful: Listening to our customers, providing a quality product at a competitive price, and consistently providing our customers with a desire to please. We're a family business as you probably are and sincerely care about you, our family. It is our sincere desire that you enjoy using the AVImark program and find that it meets your needs in your veterinary practice.
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