Union Bank gears for next phase of digital transformation with state-of-the-art data centre

Union Bank recently concluded a major upgrade to its primary and disaster recovery data centres. The upgrade encompassed enhancements to network infrastructure, hardware, back-up solutions, security infrastructure, enterprise storage and monitoring solutions. 

With the implementation of this latest upgrade to its data centre, the bank now boasts of state-of-the-art IT infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies that include Software Defined Network (SDN) and Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). These new technologies are expected to improve the reliability of the systems with higher availability and better disaster recovery capabilities. The data centre investment also certifies industry-standard security and proactive monitoring capabilities that ensure reduced service interruptions, while further enabling greater customisation and innovation capabilities, in support of the bank’s envisioned, accelerated digital transformation initiatives. 

Commenting on the successful data centre upgrade, Union Bank Chief Information Officer Nisala Kodippili said, “We are operating in an era when not only is technology transforming at a rapid rate, but technology is rapidly changing the lives of people and the way business is done. This major upgrade to our data centre comes in time for the bank to prepare for its next phase of digital transformation, which will lead to deployment of novel solutions that would deliver a unified, holistic user-experience to our stakeholders. The new data centre upgrade will therefore empower the delivery of 360-degree service enhancements that would augment the user experience, customer experience, multi experience as well as employee experience.”

Clarifying the key benefits of the data centre upgrade, Kodippili further added, “With the recent upgrade, our system is now hosted at a Tier III data centre that assures 99.98% up time and outage free maintenance capabilities. This means our customers will now be entitled to more robust banking conveniences along with advanced data security through multiple security layers, automated back-ups and timely patch management amongst others. Enhanced security levels are a key feature of the new data centre and is a great enabler especially in the current times when security of information has become a great concern amidst rising threats. 

“The data centre upgrade also allows for unplanned disaster recovery activities with no disruptions, which has become a necessity for successful business continuity planning amidst rising uncertainties in the external environment. It has also increased our production capacity, thus improving our capability for faster deployment of new initiatives, alongside optimised infrastructure costs that will augur well for the bank’s envisioned plans for digital transformation.” 

As part of its strategic view to continuously enhance customer experiences, Union Bank continues to invest in enhanced IT infrastructure that allows the bank to deploy novel and timely financial solutions to meet the emerging needs of its diverse clientele that include Retail, Corporate and SME Banking customers. The bank’s strategic approaches that include customised products, extended access points and tech-enabled conveniences are well-synced to deliver positive banking experiences to its customers. 

Union Bank supported by the strength of TPG, the US based global private investment firm with over $ 85 billion in capital under management and an extensive global network with significant presence in Asia and Europe. With a solid foundation etched with financial stability and international know-how, Union Bank is amongst the highest capitalised private commercial banks in Sri Lanka, offering a full range of products and services to personal and commercial financial sectors.