Metrobank taps Compaq for ATM facility

Metrobank Corp. has tapped computer giant Compaq Corp. for the delivery of the fastest and most convenient automated teller machine (ATM) services in the country.

Reynante Banico, Metrobank assistant vice president, said Compaq's new computing technology enables the bank to increase the availability of its ATM network to a level at par, or even beyond the 98-percent availability threshold required by BancNet.

BancNet is a network of several banks which share ATM services or automated bank transactions for fund deposit, withdrawal and transfer.

"The acquisition of Compaq's NonStop 99 Himalaya servers is part of Metrobank's program to improve its IT system and provide better services to its customers," he stressed.

Banico pointed out that when Metrobank's old ATM host had reached its limits, customers started experiencing service problems such as slow machine response, thus, the need for a new equipment that will give its ATM network a more competitive edge in the banking industry.

According to Banico, the production solution allowed Metrobank to improve its customer service and reap the benefits of less complaints and more ATM transactions.

He pointed out that the solution has increased productivity in the bank as reports are now produced in half the time compared to the old system.

Moreover, Banico said that the servers allow more electronic transactions, consequently decreasing the number of over-the-counter transactions.

Other banks are also able to avail of the convenience of Metrobank's vast ATM network, he continued.