JSE-listed AST Group has entered into an agreement with Macalla Software, the UK-based developer of Mobility, to bring this product to the South African financial services market. Mobility represents a breakthrough in applying WAP technology in financial services.
Mobility provides investment banks, retail banks and brokers with a comprehensive, end-to-end product to rapidly deploy applications that securely deliver personalised content, transactions and payment services across multiple channels including WAP enabled handsets, PDAs, Pagers and GSM Mobile phones.
Financial services are a key commercial driver for the mobile commerce market. "Taking their online financial services activities to mobile devices creates a new service channel for financial institutions," explains Pieter Bouwer, MD of AST`s Industry Solutions Group.
Mobility, in response to the demand for an effective way of rapidly bringing e-Commerce offerings into the m-Commerce world, utilises core software infrastructure and functional components developed by Macalla and leverages market-leading encryption, PKI and telephony products.
Based on existing back-office online banking operation, mobile banking can be deployed in a straightforward manner by integrating the existing online system with Macalla`s Mobility product.
"AST`s collaborative approach to doing business and its strategic partnerships in the local financial services industry are very valuable," says Alan Coleman of Macalla. "Excellence in application development and extensive ICT service capabilities, including the capacity to host e-commerce applications in truly secure and stable environments, differentiate AST. ICT mastery, coupled with real business insight, vision and creativity, is required to fully exploit the opportunities unlocked by Mobility."
"The AST Group now delivers application solutions that effectively place its customers right in the middle of the new economy - real-world business enabling through secure and reliable delivery methodologies," concludes Bouwer.
Share
AST
AST provides comprehensive and integrated ICT-based solutions to an increasing range of global corporate clients. AST`s best-of-breed software, excellent service delivery capabilities and our solution focus make us your ideal strategic partner.
AST focuses on industries such as mining, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications and government. We have specialists in management and IT Consulting, IT Communications, Enterprise Systems Management, IT services, ERP Solutions, Outsourcing, Technology Rentals and Training.