This marks the first step in a major programme for the full technology renewal of 700 branches supporting in excess of 13'000 users.

Riaan van Wamelen, CIO of FNB Branch Banking, comments: "We needed to replace our legacy teller platform quickly and efficiently with technology that could support our business requirements and increasing transactional volumes. Following the Finantix teller implementation, we will have laid the foundation for the next stages of our branch sales and service enhancements."

Previously, FNB's branch teller application was tightly integrated to IBM's OS/2 operating system. Enhancements to meet business requirements became increasingly complex as the technology became increasingly outdated. The bank required a modern, scalable and open solution to meet is requirements. Following a selection process, FNB signed the deal with Finantix in January 2006. Working with Finantix, the bank implemented the components on Linux in 18 months.

Finantix offers FNB ownership of its technology and its innovative components allow the bank to enhance the solution to their unique requirements while protecting the upgrade path of the Finantix product. As such, the bank has created and incorporated its own country specific components, e.g. functionality to address Mzansi money transfers, a South African banking product which seeks to extend banking to low-income earners.

Alessandro Tonchia, strategy director, Finantix comments: "With over 13'000 end-users and the constraints of South Africa's communications infrastructure, FNB needed a technology solution that could overcome these challenges and still deliver on performance. That FNB selected us is an endorsement of the strength and innovation of our technology, as well as the strength of our functionality in supporting a complete sales and service branch network."