Companies that communicate with each other via the SWIFT global financial messaging network need client interface software, such as the SWIFTAlliance range of interfaces, for security and reliability.

HP's solution includes software developed by HP that supports the SWIFTAlliance interfaces - and makes them cluster-aware.

The solution, called the "SWIFTAlliance Cluster Enabler for Microsoft Windows," runs on multiple HP ProLiant servers and leverages the high-availability clustering technology of the Microsoft Windows operating system. In a Windows-based cluster, if one server fails, the other picks up the workload automatically so that data is protected and the application continues to run.

For reliability and compatibility, HP has tested and benchmarked its solution on a cluster of HP ProLiant platforms running Microsoft Windows. Similarly, SWIFT has tested the SWIFTAlliance interface on the HP clustered platforms, for the SWIFT connectivity packs 1, 2, 3 and 4, supporting traffic up to 40 mail messages per second.

Along with the solution itself, HP can provide customers with complete support and maintenance services for three years. HP is responsible for all support services via cross-agreements with SWIFT and Microsoft - so customers enjoy the advantages of a single point of accountability with rapid response times.

"Financial institutions and large corporations increasingly rely on the SWIFT network and IP messaging platform, SWIFTNet, for their operations. HP is making access to the network much less costly for customers - while allowing the high availability needed for high stakes transactions," said Joe Lott, director, payments, Financial Services Industry, HP. "The HP SWIFTAlliance solution leverages the accumulated clustering expertise of both Microsoft and HP."

"Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective financial messaging service without compromising security or reliability," said Alain Drese, head of Customer Integration, SWIFT. "HP's offering contributes to making the benefits of SWIFTNet readily available to financial institutions and their corporate clients."