BS&T Blogosphere
When the Generics Go Vertical
Dec. 5, 2006
***Intuit and Microsoft have always had a taste for banking, but ... Bill Gates called bankers dinosaurs -- not the ideal way to break into a club. Intuit knew how to keep the books, but it didn't know a deposit from a loan. Now Intuit solved its problem by acquiring a banking company. What struck me was the enormous initiation fee. ... Maybe Intuit knows something the rest of us don't.
Sorry, Our Computers Are Down
Dec. 11, 2006
***Over the years, I had experienced so many disappointing events in the implementation of IT projects. ... Here's just one example: The FDA hired us to develop an information system. ... We built the specs in 1969 and charged the FDA $1 million. Right after that ... a new FDA Commissioner took over and proclaimed our system as impractical. ... These days, reliability of technology is a lot better. For example, I heard the excuse this morning from a company that couldn't schedule my semi-annual heating system maintenance. No problem, it was only about the fifth time I heard the excuse from a variety of service companies all year.
Consolidation Among Core Companies
Nov. 28, 2006
***Twenty years ago, there were 113 companies offering core apps services to banks and thrifts. Today, there are 29. In 2006, there was only one transaction among core companies. ... So it now appears the well is dry in terms of pickings by the popular acquirers. But I believe there's still a little play left for those who want to toss out the old models and try new approaches.
New Web Site to Report Australian Banks' Offshoring Plans
Australia's Finance Sector Union has launched a Web site that will enable consumers in the country to see if their bank is sending their personal data offshore. As in the United States, banks in Australia have been facing growing criticism over offshoring initiatives. BankCheck gives consumer information on offshoring of jobs and data, employment practices, and consumer rights.
A Passage to India
Be sure to visit I&T's blog for reports from Senior Editor Anthony O'Donnell. O'Donnell traveled to Bangalore, Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi and Agra, meeting with vendors and carrier executives. India has proven itself a leading destination for offshore outsourcing through its success with many customers in financial services, among other industries.
www.insurancetech.com/blog/archives/ a_passage_to_india
The One That Didn't Get Away
The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) is the global pan-industrial and law enforcement association focused on eliminating the fraud and identity theft that result from phishing, pharming and e-mail spoofing of all types. Its Web site contains an archive of phishing attacks and up-to-the-minute reports of new schemes.
-- Aite Senior Analyst Adam Honore, during the BS&T webcast "How a Common Language Can Help Banks in an SOA Implementation," available online at: www.banktech.com/events/ondemand
"Companies are already reducing their reliance on their banks not only by consolidating but also by becoming more efficient with their treasury services."
-- Alenka Grenlish, Manager, Celent Banking Group, during the BS&T webcast "Process Centricity: Key to Improved STP and Profitability," available online at: www.banktech.com/events/ondemand
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