The IT Department underwent a restructuring and streamlining process in the year 2000, which included the use of modernised methodology to adapt and provide additional support to the changing technology. The department now consists of three sub-departments: Electronic Publishing (EP), Management Information Systems (MIS) and IT Support (ITS).

One of the first in the publishing industry, Graphic Handling was initiated to facilitate control and online tracking of digital graphic images and advertisement artwork in real time to integrate with the Editorial and Display Advertising Pagination systems that produce complete digital page output onto film. This eliminated manual film assembly, and the resulting software the Graphic Workflow Management and Tracking system was developed and later extended to include error detection and automatic correction of digital graphic elements.

Other related changes resulted in the improved newspaper workflow, and the introduction of an Output Control department. To date, the project is 75 per cent complete, while the remaining graphic digitisation and quality control will continue well into 2001.

The MIS Department saw major software enhancements and revisions to the Circulation and Subscription system. Implementation of the Human Resources Management system followed in September 2000. The HR system now provides online information on Employees and Employees' Benefits, Training Courses and Medical Administration. In 2001, MIS will introduce additional HR system functions, such as Recruitment Information and Payroll systems.

The Electronic Publishing Department implemented the AdManager Software system in mid-2000, which allows automatic and rotating placements of banner ads on the web site, and enables ad campaigns, targetting of viewers and measurement. The system now provides additional advertisement booking slots.

The ITS Department upgraded the company's Internet connection speed from 128K to 256K, and increased the number of Intranet users from about 90 in 1999 to 400 at the end of 2000. It also redesigned Intranet functions to be launched in 2001, to include the online Internal Directory, Company Announcements, Helpdesk Function and Knowledge Base.