Bank Windhoek changes from mainframe system to Microsoft`s Windows 2000

Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek (BW), has upgraded its technology infrastructure to Microsoft`s Windows 2000 operating platform. This radical change from a traditional mainframe system previously hosted at Boland PKS in SA, has created a Web-based infrastructure automating many administrative processes and enhancing the exchange of information between the bank`s various departments.

The technology upgrade was necessary to transform BW`s business processes and equip the bank to provide its clients with new and innovative banking services and products. BW`s development team worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to deploy a solution that provided easy access to data, online management of administrative tasks, and reduced total IT costs.

"Microsoft`s Windows 2000 makes it possible for organisations to build the secure, reliable, highly scalable commerce infrastructure necessary for today`s competitive business environment," says Andre` Barnard, general manager technology at BW. "With this deployment, information is easily exchanged between systems resulting in more flexibility between the various parts of the banking system and allowing staff to offer a better service to clients."

Numerous daily banking tasks have been automated and provide the promise of creating a paperless environment. To further enhance work procedures, a document management system was deployed enabling the bank to store, index and retrieve documents online. The Web enabled solution seamlessly integrates several applications via a single intranet portal. The design was developed using UML (unified modelling language) allowing the bank to integrate with its current distribution channels such as ATMs and other branches as well as emerging technologies such as WAP, SMS and Internet banking.

"Working with BW on a deployment process for the bank`s technology upgrade, PwC looked to coordinate an approach that allowed the maximum utilisation of available resources," says Gys Hyman, project leader at PwC. "PwC integrated leading retail banking concepts with key financial services forming a `bank-in-a-box` offering. The solution focuses on integrating core client management, retail banking, and treasury and financial systems."

"Microsoft Windows 2000 is the most comprehensive, integrated platform for building and deploying applications for the business Internet," says Markus Muller, partner manager at Microsoft South Africa. "BW has deployed a stable Internet infrastructure providing increased manageability, lower IT costs and faster time to market."

BW offers a complete spectrum of financial services, including personal, corporate and international services, to the Namibian public. The bank has a network of 22 branches, two mini braches, 10 service points, 48 ATMs, and serves in excess of 120 000 customers.