National Bank of Kuwait adopts Microsoft's BizTalk Server to integrate new core systems

As part of NBK's business transformation program, the Microsoft Enterprises Application Integration (EAI) solution will enable the smooth and efficient automation of NBK's essential business processes, and the modernization of its full suite of banking applications.

Dr. Fadi Chehayeb, Chief Information Officer of NBK said: "NBK has put forth an aggressive vision for growth and expansion in the Middle East Region. We work hard to keep in line with new technologies and new banking ideas to serve the growing needs of our customers, always in line with international best practices. Being one of the largest banks in the region, we realize the importance of using the latest technologies in our business processes."

He continued: "While our current systems are running efficiently, reliably and securely, we have set up to modernize our enterprise integration platform as well as many of our existing core banking and business applications. The new integration platform and core banking applications will allow NBK to speed up its time-to-market with new products and services, and allow NBK to offer them with the greatest efficiency and reliability through multiple channels, including its award winning Internet Banking (Watani Online), Tele Banking (801801), mobile banking and messaging services, as well as the corporate internet and extranet".

NBK studied a number of alternatives before settling on Microsoft's BizTalk as its integration technology. The capabilities of BizTalk, coupled with past working experience with Microsoft technology, support and services, made this the optimal choice for the NBK's EAI solution.

Omar Dragmeh, Sales Manager for Microsoft Kuwait said: "As one of the largest banks in the Middle East, NBK has always been a leader in adopting state-of-the-art technology. With the implementation of Microsoft's BizTalk server, NBK has once again demonstrated its foresight, while adopting new core systems to increase its employee productivity and the agility of its business processes. This in turn will also support the implementation of an enhanced and personalized customer service across delivery channels and an improved customer satisfaction."

Microsoft's BizTalk server 2004 is the ideal EAI solution for building a smart, connected enterprise. It helps customers efficiently and effectively integrate systems, employees, and trading partners through manageable business processes, enabling them to automate and orchestrate interactions in a highly flexible and highly automated manner.

Chehayeb added: "Our relationship with Microsoft has evolved over many years, continually growing stronger as we collaborate on new projects, utilizing and benefiting from their latest technologies. Microsoft .Net technologies form a large part of the NBK digital nervous system and enables us to meet the challenges of introducing customer-friendly and cost effective banking solutions, while setting new standards for the retail banking in the Middle East Region. We trust the direction that Microsoft is moving its technologies in the future is in line with our technology strategy, and are confident of their capabilities in providing us with the best services possible."

Draghmeh concluded: "Microsoft has been instrumental in bringing about successive technologies change at NBK and many other banks and financial institutions in Kuwait and across the region. Our EAI solutions make us a key player in the financial sector and we are strongly committed to supporting its growth by introducing the latest and the best technologies. By doing so, we also aim to reach our ultimate goal of empowering businesses to achieve their full potential."