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IT Anthems: element 5 (unplugged)

Peter Judge ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 06 Dec 2002 08:57 GMT

Cologne-based e-commerce outsourcer element 5 AG's corporate song has clearly struck a chord! Following the success of the rock version, wenow have a cool, acoustic, lounge-flavoured recording.

1-2-3-4 element 5 acoustic version (MP3)

1-2-3-4 element 5 - classic version

The song will be performed live at element 5's party during the CeBIT fair in Hannover in Germany, in March. And both versions feature on a CD, along with other tracks -- these are, however, "straight" pop cover versions, without the corporate spin we love so much at Anthems.

In music, element 5 does what it advises its own customers to do in software. The company outsourced the song to a professional outfit called Party Republic.

Of course, as anyone who has outsourced knows, you do need some expertise in house, preferrably at a senior level. Members of element 5's own, non-professional, staff band include a board member. Marketing manager, the aptly-named Elisa Funck, says the band is "great". We hope to hear from it in future.

Note: For those wondering about the company's name, element 5 is not a reference to the Periodic Table, like the lamented element 14 (named to refer to silicon). If so, it would suggest element 5 have something in common with boron.

Instead, the name implies that software could be the fifth element in the classical Greek system of fire, water, earth and air.

Lyrics

In a world constantly changing
You seek success during turbulent times
You face challenges sooner or later --
That leaves nothing but questions behind

How will you know if the road you have chosen
Will lead you to all of your goals
We´ll guide you -- that´s our primary mission
No surprises when your systems go live
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)

chorus
1-2-3-4-element 5
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)
1-2-3-4-element 5
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)
1-2-3-4-el - em - ent 5
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)
1-2-3-4-element 5

What you ask -- questions are answered
And your curve surely reaches its peak.
Guaranteed to find the perfect solution
At your fingertips is all that you need.

How will you know if the road you have chosen
Won´t be too winding and long
We´ll make sure that you will get there safely
No surprises when your systems go live
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)

chorus
1-2-3-4-element 5
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)
1-2-3-4-element 5
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)
1-2-3-4-el - em - ent 5
(ooh-ooh-ooh!)
1-2-3-4-element 5

Instrumental, chorus and repeat

If you have any other IT Anthems, send them to us at corpanthems@zdnet.co.uk.

Visit the IT Anthems home page for more of this stuff.

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