IBM has sold its first mainframe in Namibia in a $5 million deal with First National Bank of Namibia.
The deal is part of a $15 million programme by the Southern African bank to localise its core banking systems and operations in Namibia following a directive from the country's central bank. Previously, FNB Namibia, which is majority owned by FNB South Africa, had its server infrastructure and the data of more than 400,000 customers residing in South Africa.
Implementation of two of the latest IBM System z10 Business Class mainframes and supporting software was completed on the bank's home turf this month. The project included the transfer of all information technology systems, documents and data relating to customer transactions, the bank's business affairs, property, assets and liabilities.
Advocate Vekuii Rukoro, Group CEO of FNB Namibia Holdings, says: "FNB Namibia's investment in the latest, industry-leading IBM mainframe systems and software has helped us to build a dynamic core banking platform as well as meet all regulatory requirements."
FNB Namibia joins a roster of companies in emerging economies settling on IBM System z to build their infrastructures. In April, the vendor announced its first System z sale to a commercial bank in India - a $10 million, seven-year win at Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited Bank. Other growth markets for new mainframe business include China, Korea and Russia.