Software Review of ASCEND

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

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Is the software “ASCEND” effective in serving microfinance institutions?

This review examines the software ASCEND developed by South Tech Ltd. The review is sponsored by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP).

The review examines the software for institutional fit, and finds that:

• It is designed for small to large microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Bangladesh;
• It is inexpensive;
• No expertise is required for the end user;
• It provides the full range of microfinance services.

The review states that the software has been developed in Bangladesh and has been implemented in four MFIs in Bangladesh and one in Bhutan. It presents the following advantages and disadvantages of the software:

• Advantages:
  • Excellent quality of service;
  • Serves “Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)” one of the largest MFIs in the world;
  • Uses the latest technology;
  • Has a good knowledge of microfinance.
• Disadvantages:
  • No installations outside Bangladesh, except for one in Bhutan;
  • MFI needs are not necessarily similar to BRAC, which remains the priority of the provider;
  • No interface to the best accounting packages;
  • Help is too basic and not accessible from within the screens.

The review rates the following aspects of the software:

• Functionality: very high.
• Ease of use: moderate;
• Management reporting: very good;
• Services: very good;
• Technical capabilities: excellent.

The review concludes by presenting the following features of the software:

• Installations by region; and,
• The cost summary.