A major shift to cloud-based solutions in the financial sector
In a rapidly changing financial landscape, innovative solutions are a necessity. GlassHouse Systems, an IBM Platinum Partner specializing in IBM Cloud, partnered with IBM to deliver a major transformation of a North American bank's IT environment. This project involved moving from a completely on-premises system to a comprehensive cloud-based solution – IBM Power Virtual Server.
The project sought to resolve several key challenges:
- Latency Requirements: Managing the strict latency demands of the digital banking application posed a significant hurdle.
- Resource Constraints: The IT teams were stretched thin, juggling multiple projects and maintaining complex systems, which limited their capacity to execute initiatives effectively and efficiently.
- Documentation Gap: The recently appointed CIO required a comprehensive document outlining the proposed architectural changes to secure funding and approval. However, the Bank lacked an existing documented architecture to serve as a foundation for the new document.
Transformation Story
GlassHouse Systems partnered with IBM to execute the significant transition for this mid-sized Bank's IT environment. Working with IBM engineers, GHS experts could ensure latency of less than 1.9 milliseconds, as long as the applications were co-located in an IBM data center, maintaining the application and database synchronization. Additionally, VMware and Microsoft were used to handle other workloads within the banking system. With this all-in-one IBM Cloud solution, GlassHouse Systems was able to deliver a robust, enterprise-grade, mission-critical environment that meets the toughest SLAs and security standards.
To tackle the challenge of creating a comprehensive document, without prior documented architecture from the Bank, GHS engineers teamed up with the Bank's in-house IT team, representatives from the banking application ISV, and IBM for an intensive 1.5-week collaboration. Despite the complexity of the task and the short timeline, the team delivered the document two days before the deadline. The thorough and timely delivery of the document was a resounding success for the new CIO and marked a positive start to his tenure. It also showcased the benefits of the collaborative partnership and the team’s ability to adapt and work effectively under pressure.
Shifting to a cloud-based infrastructure helps these organizations alleviate some of the burdens on their IT teams. By migrating to IBM Power Virtual Server and IBM Cloud, the day-to-day management of the infrastructure, along with routine maintenance and updates, is handled by cloud experts at GlassHouse Systems and IBM Cloud. This allows the internal IT teams to shift their focus from managing infrastructure to implementing strategic initiatives that deliver value to the business.
Results & Benefits
For the CIO and Executive Chairman of a small-to-mid-sized financial institution, this transition is a step into the future of banking – a future of strict compliance, cost-effectiveness, innovation, and robust security.
Partnering with GlassHouse Systems and IBM Cloud enables your organization to exceed the demands of modern banking, setting new standards in the financial services industry. This positions your institution to not only compete but to thrive and lead in an increasingly digital, secure, and customer-centric banking environment.
These benefits demonstrate how your organization can harness the power of IBM Cloud and IBM Power Virtual Server to build resilience, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation - paving the way for sustained success in an ever-changing banking environment.
- Building a Resilient System: Creating a robust infrastructure with IBM Power Virtual Server as the central pillar.
- Empowering IT Teams: Improving focus and operational efficiency.
- Driving Innovation and Compliance: Moving beyond cost savings to foster creativity while maintaining regulatory adherence.
- Ensuring High Availability: Delivering reliable operations and rapid disaster recovery.
- Unparalleled Security: Implementing advanced measures for security and compliance.
- Shaping the Future of Banking: Embracing cutting-edge solutions to redefine what’s possible in financial services.