In 2002, the Group decided to expand the previous strategic focus from the conventional host solution to several platforms, including .NET and WebSphere. In making this decision, the Group paved the way for an easier integration of vendor systems and also moved away from its previous decision of the highest possible degree of own development.
To create the needed flexibility between platforms and state-of-the-art support of integration between business and IT, the development organisation introduced methods and infrastructure for service-oriented architecture (SOA) and model-based development. Business processes play key roles in understanding business needs and optimising the organisation. The processes use services presented in a complete catalogue, on which basis development work now starts. All business development thus starts with identifying the processes and services needed for a good solution. If they are not already available in the catalogue, they will be developed and added to the Group platform.
The flexible Group architecture supports shared processes and services across national borders and brands – irrespective of whether they were developed on an IBM host, a Microsoft platform or a third system.
Based on the shared catalogue, business innovation has become more efficient than before. This model also ensures the flexibility and scalability needed for rapidly integrating new banks into the platform.
Today, the development organisation has about 2,000 presented services that can be used on the IBM host and the Microsoft platform. The Group’s systems are divided on the two platforms with about 70% IBM host and 30% Microsoft platform. The number of services on the Microsoft platform is expected to increase in the future.
Last updated/revised October 5, 2007