The Bankserv Group, leading provider of utility services to the South African financial and banking communities, is currently undertaking a major upgrade to its nationwide computer network in a bid to enhance the capacity and security of its systems. The upgrade, designed and implemented in conjunction with specialist network integrator, Dimension Data Networking, forms an integral part of Bankserv`s strategy to revamp its entire information technology (IT) infrastructure through a change in the hardware platforms and communications technology employed within its organisation. The Bankserv Group, formed in 1993 by leading banking houses ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedcor and FNB, provides wide ranging service offerings which include funds clearing (through the Automated Clearing Bureau, Saswitch and Bankscan companies), and financial market information and custody services through the Central Depository Limited and The Universal Exchange Corporation Limited. The network upgrade meets Bankserv`s requirements for an efficient, secure and managed client/server-based network, capable of accommodating the projected growth in the use of electronic data transmission systems, including electronic funds transfer (EFT) and many other on-line transaction processes. Data communications between banking and financial institutions is increasing rapidly - with data flows expanding at a rate of around 30% per annum - fueled by the growing demand for banking facilities, particularly among South Africa`s formerly disadvantaged communities. "The decision was taken to increase electronic data transfer and minimise Bankserv`s reliance on tape media and the physical movement of large volumes of information from one location to another," comments Didata Networking account manager, Hein Buhrmann "We proposed a Cisco router solution - mainly because the equipment is at the forefront of technology and capable of meeting throughput, capacity and security requirements well into the next century. "It is also capable of supporting various connectivity mechanisms as well as the variety of protocols required within the Bankserv wide area network - including ISDN, x25 and Frame Relay, Diginet and asynchronous dial up connections," he says. Turning to the decision to award the upgrade contract to Didata, a Bankserv spokesperson says it was, in part, based on the excellent track record of Didata in providing similar solutions to large corporate and banking institutions, as well as its high degree of technical expertise and commitment to on-going technical support. "Also, the `fit` of the proposed solution - in terms of price, performance and risk exposure - was precise," he says. Currently, the project is well on track, with Didata Networking technicians in the process of linking both client and non-shareholding banks to the Bankserv network via the new Cisco router platform. Reports from Bankserv customers have been positive. They highlight significant telecommunication cost savings, facilitated by the consolidation of data lines (taking advantage of ISDN and Diginet services) and the overall simplification of the network configuration. "The bottom line is, we have provided faster, more reliable and secure data communications services to Bankserv customers," stresses Buhrmann. He adds that Didata Networking`s extensive experience within the financial market was a key factor in its ability to execute the project on time and within budget. "We also achieved 100% systems uptime for the duration of the project, which was a key requirement as the Bankserv service is mission critical and operates 24 hours-per-day, seven days-per-week."
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