Getronics is now one of three companies in the United States that are officially qualified to configure, install, and manage the proprietary software applications of the SWIFTNet platform, which enables the secure and reliable communication of mission-critical financial information and transactional data.

Getronics engineers recently passed four days of tests at the SWIFT US office in New York, earning partnership status for Getronics and joining a select few individuals who are allowed to install SWIFT software in the Americas. Getronics is now accredited to implement SWIFT Alliance Access, SWIFTNet Link, and Webstation on both the Microsoft Windows and Sun Solaris operating systems. Certification for additional SWIFT software products is expected for Getronics in the near future.

Getronics, in partnership with Infonet, has been a SWIFT network partner since May 2003. Since then, Getronics has upgraded the network connectivity for several leading financial institutions by migrating them from the X.25 dial-up infrastructure to a new IP environment. SWIFT has mandated that all its members complete this upgrade by December 31, 2004.

"Our clients have come to expect end-to-end service from Getronics. Earning this certification allows us to deliver a complete, multi-dimensional solution for SWIFT members," stated Leni Selvaggio, vice president for financial services.

"SWIFT put our people through very rigorous training and testing to earn this level of participation. Our staff can now put their knowledge and experience to work for our clients who are making improvements to their funds transfer capabilities."

"The Getronics personnel who trained and passed the examinations were dedicated to earning the certification. Getronics continues to expand its ability to assist our members with the conversion from X.25 to our new, improved IP-based messaging platform, SWIFTNet," said Ed Adams, regional director for SWIFT in North America. "By certifying Getronics' capabilities we have assured our members that they will receive expert assistance in this critical aspect of their businesses."

SWIFT Service Partner designation will allow Getronics to work side-by-side with SWIFT and SWIFT members, offering on-site assistance for all migration programs. Services may range from ad-hoc technical assistance for on-site solutions to addressing specific issues in a SWIFT member's migration project to total management of all migration projects.