Little Rock-based First Commercial Corp. has selected Unisys Corp. as systems integrator for a multimillion-dollar automation project for all of its branches.
The project involves installing a companywide DOS-based computer and communications network and the automation of key banking functions at more than 80 First Commercial offices in three states.
Unisys will also supply technical consulting services and regular equipment maintenance after installation is complete.
The project, begun in October, is expected to be completed by yearend, according to Clarence E. Hoover, the bank's executive in charge of the installation.
Joe Hatcher, vice chairman of the $4.4 billion-asset bank holding company, said, "The investment will significantly improve service to customers by improving efficiency."
First Commercial's use of the DOS operating system is a departure from the trend in the financial industry toward the use of such powerful systems as Unix, OS/2, or Windows NT for branch automation. These systems are steadily gaining ground in banks, industry experts noted, while the use of DOS is declining.
First Commercial's automation, although DOS-based, will have Windows- like features, such as pop-up screens, said Mr. Hoover.
From this hybrid environment, Mr. Hoover said, the bank expects to get "the best of both worlds" - the efficiency of DOS combined with the flexibility and user-friendliness of Windows.
Unisys will oversee the automation of teller, new account, and loan document preparation functions at the bank's offices in Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee.
The project includes installation of more than 80 Unisys PW2 file servers, 700 specially configured Unisys PW2 workstations, and 600 Unisys validation and laser printers.
The new computer equipment will replace the bank's dumb terminals at teller stations that are now linked to the mainframe.
Each branch network will eventually be connected over a wide area network.
Through a variety of third-party software packages, the new systems will give bank employees automated tools to gain immediate access to customer data.
The project is the first major order Unisys has received from First Commercial, which uses banking equipment primarily from Amdahl Corp., AT&T Global Information Solutions, and International Business Machines Corp.
As the systems integrator, Unisys is managing the project and coordinating activities with the third-party software vendors the bank has selected.
Unisys is also supplying technical consulting and networking services from Unisys Network Enable, the company's worldwide multivendor network integration unit.
When the project is completed, Unisys will maintain the equipment, including networking products from Novell Inc. and other manufacturers.
The bank, which had worked separately with several vendors, has found that using one vendor for systems integration has its advantages, such as "eliminating finger pointing," said Mr. Hoover.
Another benefit Unisys brings to the table is a preinstallation service, said Alan Grote, Memphis-based district manager of the company's mid-South financial district.
The company preloads software into the workstations and tests the equipment before delivering it to the bank. This ensures a smooth implementation and minimal disruption of bank operations, said Mr. Grote.
