National Westminster Home Loans, a mortgage company based in the United Kingdom, has installed an advanced computer network expected to improve customer service and support its rapid expansion.
The mortgage company, a subsidiary of $224 billion-asset National Westminster Bank PLC, London, worked with Unisys Corp. on the project, valued at $790,000.
The Blue Bell, Pa., technology firm managed the project through Network Enable, a worldwide Unisys unit that integrates products from multiple vendors.
Network Enable provided the design, planning, and installation for network deployment. The installed systems came predominently from Bay Networks and Cisco Systems Inc.
Based on advanced hub, router, and local area network technology, the network will handle a range of applications, such as file transfers and e- mail.
The new computing and communications environment is a key element in Natwest's effort to sustain high levels of customer service, despite significant growth.
Due to the expansion of its mortgage business, the company opened an office outside Birmingham, called Apex House, that will accommodate overflow staff from the existing office in central Birmingham.
The network is mainly installed at Apex House, where it will support at least 700 end users. It is linked to the central office and to Natwest's larger corporate network.
The project illustrates how critical networks have become to customer service and business strategies, Unisys officials said.
