Banks to seek IT suppliers
At least five Polish banks are likely to seek IT suppliers in the next two years for integrated computer systems.
The first bank to make this investment is BGK which is now at the stage of seeking advisors before making a choice. The system is expected to be running by the beginning of next year.
BGK’s subsidiary Bud-Bank is also about to choose a system which they hope will cut costs and help bring the bank into profit within the next three years. This system should be running by next April.
Invest-Bank is also about to choose a supplier which will be completely up and running within two years. The cost of this system will be between PLN10m — PLN20m. By September of this year the bank hopes to offer clients WAP, Internet and digital television.
Even regional banks such as the north western based GBPZ want to buy a new system soon in order to be able to cut costs and offer greater service to clients.
Analysts advise banks not to cut corners when choosing a system. Even a system for a small bank will cost millions of PLN and before choosing a system the bank has to understand if the system will meet its requirements if it is to avoid the situation where a new product is introduced which later turns out not to work in accordance with the bank's wishes. In this case further expensive investments as well as a loss of face and credibility to clients will occur.