Information Technology
During 2007, Information Technology continued to play an active role in supporting current banking operations and helping new initiatives. In addition, there was also a focus on internal process efficiency.

Current banking operations were well supported with consistently high system, network and ATM availability. The expansion of the COMNET network, provided greater access to ATMs to our customers across the country. The introduction of a common ATM switch allowed COMNET to be extended to other banks and financial institutions, resulting in additional revenue and also brand visibility to non-customers.

The quality and bandwidth of data links to Bangladesh were enhanced with connection to SEA-ME-WE-4 being tested and on the verge of being implemented.

Disaster Recovery Planning continued, with carefully thought out procedures and activities documented and resources identified. The level of redundancy and back up of systems, data links and alternate locations were improved in a considered way.

New initiatives such as the Instant Card project were well supported with over the counter ATM cards now being available to Bank customers.

Support was also given to compliance needs with voice recording and improved call handling being made available to the Treasury dealing room through IP Telephony. In addition, risk management requirements were met with Asset and Liability Management reports being submitted to ALCO using the IPS Sendero system, with interfaces from systems for core banking, treasury, export-import and card management. The foundation was also set for enabling the Funds Transfer Pricing module in IPS Sendero.

Internal process efficiency projects were commenced with CMMi readiness acitivities being applied in the software development unit and ISO 27001 planning across IT and users. CMMi certification is scheduled for July 2008, with ISO 27001 preparation continuing through to 2009. CMMi will result in improved project management and greater certainty around accuracy, time-liness and cost control of software development projects. ISO 27001 will formalise our approach to information security and also position us for overseas expansion where the compliance regime for information management is prescriptive.

2007 has been a year of consolidation, supporting of immediate needs and planning for the future. Several of the activities commenced during the year will have a flow on benefit during 2008 and beyond. The process efficiencies and disciplines through certification will become an integral part of our work day and will position us to increase our contribution towards the continuing success of the Bank.