A key component of the solution is the AT&T BusinessDirect(R) customer support and network management Web portal that enables Metavante to manage massive amounts of network data for its clients.

Using the portal, Metavante can monitor its clients' data networks, troubleshoot potential problems and resolve issues quickly and easily. The portal allows AT&T's and Metavante's systems to "talk" seamlessly and automatically - eliminating the need for any human interaction. This capability, called AT&T eBonding, uses XML technology to automate network monitoring and speeds trouble identification and repair to help ensure fail- safe network management services.

"We view AT&T as a strategic consultant to our business, and worked very closely with them to develop an innovative solution that enables us to deliver services that differentiate us in the marketplace," said Brian Hurdis, executive vice president and chief information officer, Metavante. "We're delighted to collaborate with AT&T and leverage their technology expertise to provide the highest quality support and service to our customer base."

Metavante, which offers data management services to more than 5,000 financial institution clients, will use the AT&T network to support a wide variety of financial services including posting transactions and generating monthly statements, as well as data storage, online teller applications and electronic bill payment.