The expanded business relationship enables BISYS to offer managed network services to its clients that utilise wide area networks (WANs). BISYS bank clients can also implement VanguardMS' new IP Telephony Services and access a customer web portal to monitor all managed services.

VanguardMS' Careguard Managed Services - a 24x7 predictive network monitoring, management, and support service – identifies network performance problems from ATMs and teller systems to online loan application programs. Comprehensive monitoring ensures BISYS bank clients' networks consistently operate at peak performance levels. Vanguard's IP Telephony Services easily integrate with Careguard, providing converged voice and data services that lead to increased productivity as well as telecom cost savings. Through the customer web portal, BISYS bank clients have access to client-specific network information, including real-time network maps and trouble ticket and network performance status.

According to Steve Dalrymple, chief executive officer of Vanguard Managed Solutions, "Our expanded business relationship with BISYS signifies our mutual commitment to providing innovative technologies to help banks realise even greater operational efficiencies and improved service levels. Currently, more than 200 BISYS bank clients have implemented our Careguard solution. By using our technology, these banks minimise the risk of losing customers or revenue due to network downtime, poor performance, or inefficient problem resolution processes. With Careguard now a standard service, BISYS is well positioned to implement additional VanguardMS solutions as its clients' needs require."

Bill Neville, president of BISYS Information Services, commented, "For financial institutions, maximum uptime is essential. Throughout our long- standing relationship, VanguardMS has continuously demonstrated its ability to deliver technology that gives our clients peak performance around the clock.
Its investment in IP telephony services ensures our clients capitalise on the latest technologies for communication and security. VanguardMS' proactive approach to product development is in line with our philosophy of anticipating our clients' needs and delivering technologies to meet those needs. We remain enthusiastic about our business relationship with VanguardMS and look forward to continued growth from our alliance."