Software minimizes bank branch hardware requirements.

S1 Corporation Dec 04, 2006

Press Release Summary:

Requiring only one point of support and one point of hardware (IBM server running VMware ESXn), S1 Enterprise Teller operates from virtual environment and eliminates need to run individual PCs at each teller station within bank branch. This branch in a box promotes customer support and can automate failover in case of server downtime. Accessed using ClearCube I/Port, located at teller station, smart-client teller application communicates to virtual PC via branch LAN.

Original Press Release:

S1 and IBM offer Banks Innovative 'Branch in a Box'

New Virtual Environment Eliminates Need for Individual PCs, Improves Customer Support and Delivers Significant Cost Savings

ATLANTA, Nov. 13 -- Today S1 Corporation (NASDAQ:SONE), a leading provider of customer interaction software for financial and payment services, and IBM Corporation (NYSE:IBM) announced their joint solution for deploying a first of its kind "branch in a box." The solution eliminates the need to run costly individual PCs at each teller station within a bank branch.

How it Works:

-- Banks leverage an IBM server running VMware ESXn which "virtual" PCs run.

-- The virtual PCs run S1 Enterprise Teller, the industry's first smart-client teller application and only solution that fits neatly into this technology because of the small required footprint of the smart-client.

-- S1 Enterprise Teller is accessed using a ClearCube I/Port, located at the teller station to communicate to the virtual PC via the branch LAN. The iPort serves as the hub for the keyboard, display, mouse, scanner printer and any other device typically associated with a teller station.

-- A bank can then eliminate individual PCs and rely on a server that lasts nearly twice as long as a traditional server in the banking environment.

"Branch in a Box" will be demonstrated at the upcoming BAI Retail Delivery Conference & Expo in the IBM booth 2024. The conference is scheduled for November 14-16, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Please also visit S1 at booth 1118 for more details on implementing "Branch in a Box."

"Financial institutions are faced with increasing expenses while trying to streamline efficiencies and offer more services to their customers," said Drew Lamparello, Director Product Management, Full Service Banking, S1 Corporation. "The S1-IBM Branch in a Box solution will allow a bank's IT organization to minimize the hardware required at each teller station, automate failover should a server fail, and reduce the headcount required to operate and maintain the branch network. This is a tremendous step forward in offering banks innovative technology to reduce expenses and improve service levels to branch users."

Lamparello continued, "Large banks with extensive branches have PCs at each teller station, incur tremendous support expenses for the set up of initial hardware, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Branch in a box immediately reduces expenses, requiring only one point of support and one point of hardware."

"Virtualization is critical to streamlining operations across all industries, but is particularly valuable to the banking industry faced with significant support expenses," said Michael Mohrman, FSS Banking Alliance Manager, IBM. "Our partnership with S1 provides an ideal opportunity to offer banks the critical technology needed to improve overall efficiencies and service within the branch. Banks that leverage S1 Enterprise Teller in this environment will have a great competitive advantage and are well poised to strengthen their leadership position in the market."

About S1 Corporation

S1 Corporation delivers customer interaction software for financial and payment services and offers unique solution sets for financial institutions, retailers, and processors. S1 employs 1,500 people in operations throughout North America, Europe and Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. Worldwide, more than 3,000 customers use S1 software solutions, which are comprised of applications that address virtually every market segment and delivery channel. S1 partners with best-in-class organizations to provide flexible and extensible software solutions for its customers. Additional information about S1 is available at www.s1.com.

CONTACT: Leisha Richardson, of S1 Corporation, +1-512-336-3028, leisha.richardson@s1.com; or Kyle Flaherty, of Horn Group for S1 Corporation, +1-781-356-7166, kflaherty@horngroup.com