ING Canada is implementing the IBM eServer zSeries server running Linux to support its network of 2800 independent insurance brokers across the country.
ING is the largest provider of property and casualty insurance products in Canada and is developing electronic services to its insurance brokerages.
The IT architecture will enable ING to create virtual servers that will supply as little or as much processing power as needed in response to fluctuations in user demand.
IBM Canada says ING wanted easy, real-time access to its technology tools and services to better support its network of independent brokers.
Jean Pierre Ratelle, senior vice president, strategic marketing, ING Canada, says: "The proposed approach will allow us to offer better services to our distribution networks and to reach out more effectively to the four million people who rely on us to protect their assets."
Seperately, the Dutch financial services group has acquired the outstanding 30% stake in DiBa (Allgemeine Deutsche Direktbank) from BGAG, the investment company of a number of German trade unions. ING raised its interest in Germany's largest and oldest direct banking operation from 49% to 70% in October last year, with an option to acquire the remaing 30%. The bank is understood to have paid EUR573 million for the combined 51% shareholding.
Together with Entrium, which was bought earlier this year, DiBa has 3.7 million clients.