IBM and i-flex say that Oberbank, an Austrian bank focused on international expansion and a member of the “3 Banken Gruppe” (3 banks group), has selected IBM’s System p, running i-flex’s flagship product, FLEXCUBE, for its core banking operations in Hungary. The technology will support Oberbank’s globalisation efforts in Hungary.
Oberbank is currently transforming from a regional to a multinational bank to benefit from the economic opportunities that are emerging in Eastern Europe. In an effort to gain flexibility, agility and improve customer service, Oberbank is moving away from its previous banking application in Eastern Europe to FLEXCUBE from i-flex, an IBM Business Partner.
FLEXCUBE will become the core banking solution for both commercial and personal accounts at several new branches opening in Hungary in the next 12 months.
IBM Global Technology Services and IBM Global Business Services will install FLEXCUBE on an IBM System p570. Once the project is completed, and pending the decision of local branches, IBM will have the opportunity to implement the infrastructure in other countries, reusing the same assets and skills. The first branch is expected to be ready for business in April 2007.
“As part of Austria’s 3 Banken Grouppe, we focus on customer satisfaction, growth and profitability in both existing and new markets,” says Bernhard Reiter, the Senior General Manager of Information Technology at Oberbank. “With this growth comes challenges, which is why we selected IBM and i-flex – both experienced partners that understand our needs and the needs of our customers.”
“IBM is deeply committed to developing innovative solutions to help its clients expand to new, emerging markets,” adds Johannes Koch, from Global Technology Services at IBM Austria. “IBM’s collaboration with Oberbank, one of the leaders in the banking industry, will enable the bank to quickly respond to new market opportunities and challenges.”