Last night, Avanti Computer Systems held an event at its new Toronto offices to commemorate 25 years in the business. The party was cajun themed as Avanti prepares for its next User Conference in New Orleans in March 2010. The festive event was celebrated with the company's customers, friends and a live band.

"25 years is quite an accomplishment for any company," says Stephen McWilliam, executive vice president, Avanti. "We are very proud of the fact that we have many long term employees. Dealing with the same people year after year is definitely a win-win situation for both Avanti and our customers."

Avanti started business in 1984, right around the time of the introduction of the IBM PC and Microsoft DOS operating system. When the company began, its original version of software ran on a PC with two 5 1/4 floppy drives. After 25 years a lot has changed at Avanti, now its software has over 1.5 million lines of code and includes over 20 JDF integrations into 3rd party applications and equipment.

The company celebrated the milestone at its new offices in north Toronto. "It's the perfect time for a party," says Patrick Bolan, President and CEO, Avanti. "Renovations are now complete on our new offices; our 25th year in business was another very successful one for us and, with the Avanti User Conference coming up in New Orleans, it was very easy to pick the theme for the party."