UCW's technical support IT manager Matthew Smith said the company, which began in 1981, took the decision many years ago to develop software in-house when necessary and built an in-house team that allows "systems to meet business needs".

Smith said IT has developed a good rapport with management and the two groups work together on problems and how to solve them.

"This allows management to get exactly what they want so IT is not just a blank wall," he said. "It's about communicating, listening and trusting each other. This open communications is why we are successful in creating IT systems."

UCW manages a network of some 2000 direct sales people, much like the Amway business model and turns over about A$30 million (US$21.5 million) a year.

"Back in the early 90s we needed to computerize our ordering and accounting systems," Smith said. "We had a bad experience with a 4GL programmer and by the end of the week the consulting firm had been shown the door."