Through proactive research and development, Dimension Data i-Commerce Services has designed and implemented the world`s first WAP solution for unit trust financial transactions.
As the systems integrator on the Old Mutual Unit Trust WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) project, Dimension Data i-Commerce Services has delivered the capability required for Old Mutual Unit Trust`s 700 000 clients to buy, sell and switch unit trust holdings directly, using a WAP-enabled cell phone as an Internet browser.
Dimension Data i-Commerce Services was responsible for the architecture, design and project management of putting the solution in place. The company collaborated with Nokia to implement the WAP server, and with IBM on the configuration.
Pieter van Niekerk, managing director of Old Mutual Unit Trusts (OMUT), says: "We intend to lead the industry with revolutionary technology. With the introduction of the WAP service, we offer our clients the ability to manage their investments anytime, anywhere in a fast, secure and cost-efficient way."
Dimension Data i-Commerce Services identified the potential of a WAP solution in OMUT`s business, after a pilot project had been created and demonstrated on a cell phone. The resulting WAP project contract was implemented within three weeks.
The WAP solution designed by Dimension Data i-Commerce Services is built on Old Mutual Unit Trusts` Straight Through Processing (STP) system, which enables transactions to be processed in real time. The STP system was developed and implemented by BSW Business Solutions, now part of Dimension Data i-Commerce Services.
The main requirement of the project was to link the STP functionality to the Nokia WAP server. Dimension Data i-Commerce Services created a bridge from the client`s WAP/Internet server to the STP architecture and back office.
Colin Mayne, managing director of Dimension Data i-Commerce Services, says: "This project is an example of our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology. We are now ideally positioned to undertake similar projects for other clients. Initial core target markets will be financial services institutions and share trading companies."
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Dimension Data i-Commerce Services
Dimension Data i-Commerce Services focuses on the transition of customer organisations into interactive commerce businesses. This is accomplished by assisting corporations to achieve multiple, integrated channels for customer and supplier interaction.
A member of Dimension Data Holdings, Dimension Data i-Commerce Services has seamlessly integrated the service offerings of its various business units. These include: Services, which provides technical and consulting expertise, Internet Services, which offers fully integrated Internet-based e-commerce solutions; TeleCentrics, which delivers strategic solutions to telecommunications operators world-wide; and SilverLine, which supplies tailor-made IT resourcing solutions.