Nationwide extends network infrastructure with BT
Nationwide Building Society will use the network to connect its UK retail banking operations
UK building society Nationwide has signed BT to provide the network infrastructure for its digital transformation strategy, as part of a six-year deal between the two firms.
The building society says the new infrastructure will allow it to introduce the latest customer-facing and back office technologies. The aim is to give retail banking customers a better experience, while also making Nationwide more efficient.
Nationwide’s new network, which builds on the existing network provided by BT, will connect its entire UK retail banking operations, which consist of around 700 branches as well its head office, regional administration centres and contact centres. It will support applications and services for 15 million Nationwide customers and 17,000 employees.
“Our latest investment with BT provides us with a great network platform to support our digital banking strategy,” said Debra Bailey, chief information officer at Nationwide. “It gives us the agility to innovate as well as the reliability and security to confidently deliver our digital services. A reliable network infrastructure with ‘always on’ service levels is a core component of our digital transformation strategy and will help ensure that we continue to offer customer satisfaction.”
BT has been providing IT and communication services to the building society for several decades. Meanwhile, Nationwide has ongoing technology projects with several companies. In September, Nationwide began a £500 million project to improve its branch network using NCR latest generation of self-service ATMs. The project aims to bring the kind of self-service experience customers can get at supermarkets to the retail bank branch.
