Modernization Journey Strengthens Bank’s Global Presence

Our client, an international bank hold company (IB) headquartered in Japan, has an extensive global network of finance and business centers. This story focuses on Prolifics’ work with the North American branch of the organization. 

About our client, an international bank

Aligning Culture, Business Outcomes and Technology

Our client’s challenge was one that many companies face. Their middleware, which typically acts like the connective tissue between applications, data and users, was reaching end-of-life. Complicating the issue was that the IB was experiencing this looming concern within the framework of a corporate culture — Ringi — that is not unlike the corporate culture in government organizations or security companies. These organizations often have strict and detailed processes in place that ensure smooth and accurate technology implementation, but these processes can be lengthy and circuitous. The IB required a partner in software architecture who could align with their business culture and support them through the duration of their project.

Managing Through Middleware Selection and Implementation

We entered this project as consultants, helping IB determine the cost of and time to implementation for the middleware software they were considering for purchase. We also helped them ascertain whether their chosen software would meet their needs.

As they drew closer to purchasing the software, Prolifics’ team of experienced software architects and developers began designing the new middleware system to prove that the project could be completed on time and on budget. Based on our guidance, the IB completed the software purchase, and we continued the build, rolling it out in phases.

Project Alignment with Ringi

Throughout the eighteen-month timeline of this project, in adherence to the Ringi process, we oversaw the implementation of new middleware software into IB’s workflow. The IB required us to provide approximately five times the documentation typically required for such an integration so they could have full oversight and ownership of the software and its capability. We were able to fulfill this need while remaining within their project budget.

What is Ringi?
The Ringi philosophy is a common approach to business in Japan. It recognizes that managers are not infallible, and seeks consensus from the majority. Lower-level employees will discuss an idea, reach consensus, then present it to their superiors who then go through the same process. The resulting decision is balanced, taking into account the concerns of many people at an organization. But it’s also time-consuming and can sometimes take years.

Result

Middleware Implementation

IB is now running nearly all of their enterprise traffic through the new middleware system that is state-of-the-art and future-ready.

Ringi Alignment

IB was delighted not only with our work, but with our partnership, and they have continued to engage with us as they move their modernization process forward. We’ve helped them identify and execute additional projects, such as digital transformation and cloud implementation, as they work toward becoming a faster and more nimble global entity.

Technology

To provide the best opportunity for the IB to reach its modernization goals and global standards, the following technology was emphasized:

• IBM Integration Bus (IB) – connects applications together, regardless of the message formats or protocols they support. It allows for diverse applications to interact and exchange data and other applications in a flexible, dynamic, and extensible infrastructure.

• IBM App Connect Enterprise Software – combines the existing, industry-trusted technologies of IBM Integration Bus with IBM App Connect Professional and cloud native technologies, to delver a platform that supports the full breadth of integration needs across a modern digital enterprise.

• Urban Code Deploy (UCD) Tool – automates application deployments through your environments. It’s designed to facilitate rapid feedback and continuous delivery in agile development while providing audit trails, versioning and approvals needed in production.

About Prolifics