Age of machines

If, 25 years ago, brokers were sceptical over the claims made for the new 'back-office' systems then emerging, it was not because of affection for their clattering accounts machinery or dog-eared rating guides. They had utter confidence in their businesses and were excited by the new opportunities that technology could offer. Perhaps what they were dubious about were the survival rates of the software suppliers?

A generation later, that technology, in general, has fulfilled its promise - creating