IT Consolidation, Architecture Verification and IT Management
Client Business Issues:
Two global banks were facing a number of issues surrounding a global consolidation. Their U.S. branches proposed a technology architecture that would interface multiple front end systems to an integrated back end system. The architecture, however, was based on object oriented technologies, different from the technologies currently utilized by both of the banks. Faced with aggressive time frames, the banks’ merger team requested assistance in four areas:
- Validate and enhance the proposed architecture
- Determine if the architecture could be developed and tested within the time schedules
- Develop a project plan to integrate nine applications on various platforms to support a consolidated back end system
- Assist IT management with related enterprise wide decisions, such as a new organization design
Our Approach:
Arc Partners reviewed the technical components of the proposed architecture and identified areas of concern. The architecture included a common transaction server which would standardize transaction messages passed between the front office and back office system. In addition, we analyzed each of the front office applications to determine any critical integration issues based on platform, data, interfaces and production requirements. The Arc team studied the resource requirements needed to satisfy production, development and merger activities. Additionally, our team developed a project plan that covered analysis, development, testing and implementation. We assisted the client with critical components of the implementation and participated in the Executive Steering Committee and various workgroups.
Value Received by the Client:
Arc Partners analysis helped mitigate the technology risks of implementing a new architecture. The implementation plan allowed for proper resourcing and ensured that all required tasks would be addressed. Based on our organization analysis, the client was able to design a future operating model for the merged bank. The concerns of both banks were addressed resulting in satisfaction by the new organization’s management team.