London-based Citibank NA, part of the New York-based Citicorp banking group, has implemented communications software from Bracknell, Berkshire-based Simware Ltd in the re-engineering of its Global Payments Netting system in a bid to enhance the service provided to its customers. The project began in the middle of 1992, and resulted from client dissatisfaction with existing presentation. The CitiNetting system enables the multinational organisation to minimise foreign exchange volume and the number of remittances and so reduce associated costs by netting foreign exchange requirements together. The software being used is SIM3278 VTAM protocol conversion software and SIMXFER/CICS for file transfer which will be implemented on the IBM Corp 3090 mainframe running under MVS at the bank’s European technology centre in South London. 700 copies of the SIMPC asynchronous personal computers to mainframe communications package are also being used. Citibank is installing the software initially at 700 company sites around the world to provide instant access to Citibank’s on-line CitiNetting services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The single package will enable more seamless integration with less time spent on client site technical assistance and help desk services, the company says. Implementation of customer sites is scheduled to begin by the end of July with the whole client-base coming on stream during 1994. The order to Simware is valued at UKP400,000 and the plan is to double the number of users over the next two years.
