Cisco and IBM have announced joint front office solutions to transform the retail banking experience by enhancing customer interaction and collaboration across all types of delivery channels, such as branches, contact centres and self-service kiosks. The new model will integrate front and back office systems with collaboration technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP), streaming video, Web conferencing, and instant messaging to help branch office employees deliver more personalised products and services for customers.
The series of modular front office solutions features IBM hardware, software, and services, as well as Cisco core and advanced networking technologies. Components of the solution set include optimised network, branch infrastructure, Unified Communications, and integrated contact centre.
“IBM and Cisco bring together deep experience in banking to provide our joint clients with innovative offerings to help create a powerful customer experience, improve service delivery, enhance productivity, and streamline processes to lower costs,” said Paul Jameson, director of marketing for Financial Services, Cisco. “Banks can now automatically synchronise their multi-channel environments and enrich all client touch points across and beyond the branch to improve satisfaction and drive organic growth.”
The new solutions may include consulting services from IBM Global Business Services, IT consulting from IBM Global Technology Services, hardware including IBM System z, System p, System x and BladeCentre servers, and software including IBM Lotus, Tivoli and WebSphere. Cisco technologies can include Branch Connectivity and Security, WAAS ISR Bundle, Data Centre Connectivity and Security, Branch Communications, Contact Centre Technologies, and the Cisco Wireless Products Portfolio.