"High technology and innovation"

Is there anything special about Gaselys' information system?
The IS at Gaselys is particularly critical for trading. We have several hundred servers that continually perform calculations to assess trader risks. This requires an extremely advanced IS with very sophisticated financial engineering capabilities. Our system is quite special in that it lies at the crossroads of a management information system and quantitative information technology.
Our IS users are also intimately involved in its development. This interaction between users and developers is facilitated by the fact that IT staff work practically next door to the trading room.

What is the IS department responsible for at Gaselys?
The information system must meet Gaselys' general requirements and also the very specific needs of the trading room. We have three objectives. First of all, we must ensure that the IS is available 24/24. Secondly, we must continually upgrade the trading system in accordance with the latest technologies and the highest professional standards. Lastly, we must set up and conduct major strategic development projects. Our team accounts for a third of all employees.

What is your background?
I graduated with an engineering degree from Supélec and joined Société Générale in 1996, where I was put in charge of various IT projects involving trading and commodity derivatives. I came to Gaselys in late 2005, to head the IS department.

What sort of jobs does the IS department offer?
Well, first of all the various skills required to set up and maintain the IT infrastructure, which includes the networks, servers, messaging systems and databases. Secondly, the various support functions we provide to users. Lastly, software development and project management positions.
Most of our staff hold degrees from general or IT engineering schools. Some also have a background in finance and we also have a few technicians.
Our department covers a very broad professional spectrum and therefore offers real opportunities for advancement. For example, a developer may consider moving up to a project management position.

What do you find most interesting about your work?
The diversity of the tasks and people involved! What I also find motivating at Gaselys is the continual desire to innovate and to use the most-advanced information technologies.

What projects have you found to be particularly gratifying?
In 2006 we split off the IS department from our parent companies. We had to rapidly bring our skills up to par to ensure that the IS would be extremely reliable and continuously available to process trades.
Having our own IS department helps secure our business for the future.