Swift, the financial messaging provider for more than 10,000 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 212 countries and territories, announces the launch of its new cloud-based connectivity: Alliance Lite2.
Simple, secure and cost effective, Alliance Lite2 connects customers to the SWIFT network, enabling them to exchange messages and files with other SWIFT users. It is now commercially available worldwide following successful pilot (beta) testing with financial institutions and corporations.
Alliance Lite2 supports all SWIFT message formats, standards and file types, as well as automated and manual exchange of messages and files. It also provides access to other services offered over the SWIFT network, including those from third parties. Because Alliance Lite2 is a cloud-based service, customers do not need to install or maintain extensive software or hardware at their site. Connection occurs via the Internet or a virtual private network (VPN).
SWIFT has also developed a full service offering to enhance the customer experience around Alliance Lite2. This includes assistance with the SWIFT membership process for new customers, as well as setup and 24/7 support. Optional services include automation assistance.
Bill Wrest, Head of Business Development for Non-Bank Financial Institutions at Barclays, said: "We welcome Alliance Lite2 as a simpler way for customers to connect with us using SWIFT. In particular, SWIFT's service offering around Alliance Lite2 will make on-boarding easier - so our customers can benefit from our services even faster."
Cerner (Nasdaq: CERN) is one of several corporations and financial institutions that took part in pilot testing of Alliance Lite2. Leonard Nick, Senior Manager, Treasury Operations, Cerner, said: "We needed a single connection to our banking partners which is cost effective and provides the flexibility to add banks as our global operations grow. Alliance Lite2 will make it easy for us to use SWIFT without the need for additional equipment or a service bureau."
Juan Martínez, Head of Cloud Services at SWIFT, said: "Alliance Lite2 will combine SWIFT's world-class security and reliability with the simplicity of a cloud-based connection. With its robust features and ease of use, Alliance Lite2 is suitable for a large majority of our customers. We've paid particular attention to the needs of new SWIFT customers with our comprehensive Alliance Lite2 service offering."