Tag Archives: Key Facts

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Centennial Bank Strengthens Its Merchant Relationships with Flexible, Efficient and Profit-driving M

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Centennial Bank Strengthens Its Merchant Relationships with Flexible, Efficient and Profit-driving Merchant Services from FIS

Key Facts

  • FIS’ Merchant Services solution allows Centennial Bank to concentrate on banking services while delivering a professional, experienced processing service to its commercial customers.
  • End-to-end system for managing merchant point-of-sale (POS) acquiring allows Centennial Bank to nurture relationships, minimize costs, create efficiencies and grow merchant business.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– FIS™ (NYS: FIS) , the world’s largest provider of banking and payments technology, today announced that Arkansas-based Centennial Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Home BancShares, Inc., will deploy FIS’ Merchant Services to support its continued growth in merchant relationships. By deploying the comprehensive suite of products and services with customized credit, debit, check and gift card processing, Centennial Bank will adopt a true end-to-end merchant services solution for managing merchant portfolios while gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

“As a regional bank with deep, long-term community relationships, we need a strong merchant referral partner to focus on servicing commercial accounts,” said Centennial Bank CEO, Randy Sims. “With FIS Merchant Services suite, Centennial Bank can remain steadfastly committed to our loyal retail customers while trusting FIS to deliver direct, personalized service, sales and support to our merchants.”

FIS’ Merchant Services helps financial institutions strengthen merchant relationships through flexible, efficient, easy-to-manage and profitable merchant processing options. FIS provides all aspects of merchant servicing, including terminal support, merchant servicing and institution support, and offers a competitive pricing structure and additional sales functions to supplement a bank’s sales efforts.

“FIS’ personalized service and comprehensive technologies provide financial institutions with the ability to achieve their strategic business goals of driving revenue while mitigating risk,” said Jim Johnson, senior vice president, Retail Payments, FIS. “Our long history of servicing community-based institutions – delivering direct and personalized services in much the same way that our clients do – enables Centennial Bank to focus on the strategic and differentiating activities it needs to grow its business and deliver best-in-class customer services while relying on FIS to deliver the technologies and industry expertise that help them accomplish those goals.”

Centennial Bank provides commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities throughout Arkansas, Florida and south Alabama.

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/centennial-bank-strengthens-its-merchant-relations/

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

iFiber Selects Ciena 100G and Packet Networking Platforms to Power Fiber Optic Network in Illinois

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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iFiber Selects Ciena 100G and Packet Networking Platforms to Power Fiber Optic Network in Illinois

Illinois-based consortium to bring high-speed, low-latency communications and business services to underserved public sector organizations and local businesses

HANOVER, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Ciena® Corporation (NAS: CIEN) , the network specialist, today announced that the Illinois Fiber Resources Group (iFiber) is deploying Ciena’s converged packet optical and packet networking platforms throughout its regional fiber optic network in northwestern Illinois. The deployment will provide community anchor institutions in previously underserved locations with advanced Ethernet service delivery and a cost-effective means to transport high-speed data services at speeds of up to 100G and beyond.

Key Facts:

  • iFiber was developed by a coalition of local government, university and not-for-profit organizations to address the issue of limited broadband capacity, speed and service in nine counties of northwest Illinois. The iFiber network will serve up to 533 anchor institutions including 80 public safety entities and 100 government facilities. Additionally, many local Internet providers have plans to interconnect with the network to enhance broadband services for households and businesses.
  • Funded through a Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) infrastructure grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the iFiber network will provide broadband access to eligible public sector organizations such as schools, libraries, health care organizations, municipalities, county and public safety facilities. Through iFiber’s service provider partners it will also deliver high-speed network transport services to businesses and residential subscribers in the private sector.
  • iFiber will deploy Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform equipped with WaveLogic Coherent Optical Processors, and its 4200 Advanced Services Platform to provide ultra-high bandwidth services throughout its entire network. The solutions will be configured in a 100G metro ring to ensure multi-site connectivity with capacity to handle data growth.
  • Ciena’s packet networking solutions, including its 5410 Service Aggregation Switch, and recently MEF CE2.0-certified 5150 Service Aggregation Switch and 3916 Service Delivery Switch, will provide aggregation and delivery of broadband services to iFiber customers with industry-leading scalability and protection of services. With MEF CE2.0 certified solutions, iFiber can deliver standardized, predictable and easily managed classes of service for applications such as 4G wireless backhaul, cloud-access and last …read more

    Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

XO Communications Selects Ciena to Deliver Nationwide Digital Video Transport Solution

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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XO Communications Selects Ciena to Deliver Nationwide Digital Video Transport Solution

Enables efficient, resilient and cost-effective transport of uncompressed high-definition video between production studios and distribution facilities for broadcasters and content producers leveraging XO 100 Gbps Nationwide Network

HANOVER, Md. & HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Ciena® Corporation (NAS: CIEN) , the network specialist, and XO Communications today announced that XO Communications will use Ciena’s Digital Video Transport solution to deliver native digital video transport services to media and entertainment customers across the XO nationwide network. Underpinned by XO Communications’ coast-to-coast 100 Gbps network, Ciena’s solution will allow XO Communications to cost-effectively transport high-definition (HD) video content for its customers without affecting original quality.

Key Facts:

  • XO Communications provides comprehensive managed network, IP communications, and IT infrastructure solutions to customers located across its extensive nationwide network, which serves 85 metropolitan markets.
  • As high-definition video traffic in all its forms (television, video-on-demand, Internet, etc.) continues to soar, traditional broadcasters and content providers are seeking ways to more efficiently transport content between studios, venues, production houses and the video head end or satellite distribution point. This demand for bandwidth requires a combination of carrier-class Digital Video Transport solutions and high-speed networks.
  • With the increasing use of file-based workflows in the contribution environment, the ability to combine real-time (uncompressed) and file-based connectivity over a common network and dynamically allocate bandwidth between applications is creating new opportunities for service providers like XO Communications to optimize network traffic and reduce connectivity costs.
  • Leveraging these dynamics, XO Communications is employing Ciena’s Digital Video Transport Platform to deliver a reliable, flexible, and high-performance service that will allow broadcasters, content producers, and other media and entertainment customers to cost-effectively transport real-time, uncompressed video across the XO nationwide 100 Gbps network.
  • Ciena’s Digital Video Transport solution includes the 565 Advanced Services Platform, a compact and cost-optimized metro WDM platform that enables a variety of data, storage and video services to be cost-efficiently aggregated onto an optical wavelength-based network or service. This provides a cost-effective way to multiplex different video signals alongside Ethernet services from remote studios, stadiums and other dispersed locations into …read more

    Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

FIS Names Veteran IBM Executive to Board

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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FIS Names Veteran IBM Executive to Board

Key Facts

  • James Stallings brings more than 23 years of experience in the IT industry to the FIS board.
  • Stallings served as general manager of Global Markets and general manager of Enterprise Systems in IBM‘s Systems and Technology group and co-founded a leading healthy snack vending company.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– FIS™ (NYS: FIS) , the world’s largest provider of banking and payments technology, today named James B. Stallings Jr. to its board, increasing the number of board members.

James B. Stallings Jr. (Photo: Business Wire)

Prior to his retirement from IBM in January after 23 years, Stallings served in a variety of general management roles, including general manager of Enterprise Systems in the $20 billion-a-year Systems and Technology Group, before assuming the Global Markets post in 2009 for the hardware business unit. He also has worked at GE Company and ROLM Corp.; is managing partner of PS 27 Ventures, a private investment fund that focuses on technology companies in the healthy and sustainable living market; and co-founded SmartBox, Florida’s leading healthy snack vending company.

“We are very pleased to have Jim join our board. He brings significant global and technology expertise and experience to the board,” said FIS Chairman and CEO Frank Martire. “His strategic counsel will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global business.”

“I have always been excited about technology, which explains why I am so pleased to join the board of a company with FIS‘ market leadership, industry reputation and high respect as a provider of financial technology,” Stallings said.

Stallings received a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer.


About FIS

FIS (NYS: FIS) is the world’s largest global provider dedicated to banking and payments technologies. With a …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Wintrust Financial Corporation Pilots FIS' Cardless Cash Access at ATMs

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Wintrust Financial Corporation Pilots FIS’ Cardless Cash Access at ATMs

Key Facts

  • Enables cash withdrawal from ATMs using a secure app on iPhone® or Android™ smartphones, eliminating the need for a plastic card
  • Saves time for consumers by simplifying steps to get cash and delivers an e-receipt to the customer’s phone
  • Supports FIS‘ mobile strategy to deliver secure mobile innovations to financial institutions and their customers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Expanding on its leadership and innovation position within mobile financial services, FIS™ (NYS: FIS) , the world’s largest provider of banking and payments technology, today announced the pilot of its innovative Cardless Cash Access solution by Wintrust Financial Corporation. The latest advancement to the FIS Mobile Wallet platform, delivered in partnership with Paydiant and Diebold Incorporated, enables consumers to withdraw cash from ATMs using just a smartphone.

“Consumers are increasingly mobile and rarely leave home without their smartphone,” said Douglas Brown, senior vice president and general manager, FIS Mobile Financial Services. “At FIS, we are continuing to invest in solutions that keep mobile consumers better connected to their finances. Through Cardless Cash Access, FIS is providing secure innovation that places the smartphone at the center of the financial transaction. We’re delivering on our goal of supporting a mobile-centric market. “

The FIS Mobile Wallet with the new Cardless Cash Access solution securely authenticates a user on their smartphone. Once authenticated, the user scans the QR code provided on the ATM screen and selects the account and amount of the withdrawal directly on their smartphone. The solution delivers an e-receipt to the smartphone app after cash is dispensed from the ATM. Unlike mobile cash access models that utilize temporary authorization codes, the FIS Cardless Cash Access solution utilizes the security within the user app authentication process and registration of the FIS Mobile Wallet app on the smartphone, therefore eliminating card skimming risk and fraud incidents for banks and their customers.

“Wintrust is community banking at heart, so service is our number one goal. Technology needs to follow that very closely.” said Tom Ormseth, EVP of Retail Strategy at Wintrust Financial. “Delivering Cardless Cash Access definitely supports our strategy of providing top quality and innovative services, and enables us to …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

The Media Are Invited to Attend the FIRST® Robotics Competition Arizona Regional

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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The Media Are Invited to Attend the FIRST ® Robotics Competition Arizona Regional

–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Microchip Technology Inc. (NAS: MCHP) :

The Media Are Invited to Attend the

FIRST ® Robotics Competition Arizona Regional
March 22-23, 2013
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Hamilton High School
3700 South Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85248

Key Facts:

  • High-school robotics competition
  • Any student participating on a FIRST team is eligible to apply for $16 million in scholarships

  • 50 teams
     participating, including 44 from Arizona, one from Mexico, three from New Mexico and two from California
  • Teams had six weeks to build a robot that can throw Frisbees to score points. Teams can score extra points if their robots climb towers in the final seconds of a two-minute and fifteen-second match. Three teams are grouped into “alliances” for each match.
  • Winners are eligible to attend the FRC World Championship in St. Louis, Apr. 24-27, 2013
  • Free and open to the public

*** INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES ***

  • Still and video photography permitted
  • Media interview opportunities with FIRST students and their mentors from the community

Chandler, Ariz.-based Microchip Technology is the organizing sponsor of the FRC Arizona Regional. For more information and to schedule interviews, contact:

Terri Thorson, Public Relations Specialist
Microchip Technology Inc.
480-792-4386
terri.thorson@microchip.com

On-site media contact:

Carol Popovich, Regional Director, Cell 480-335-2091

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

FIS Signs Seven-year Outsourcing Agreement with FirstBank Puerto Rico

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FIS Signs Seven-year Outsourcing Agreement with FirstBank Puerto Rico

Key Facts

  • FIS to assume full operational responsibility for bank’s IT operations.
  • New operational environment will enable the bank to benefit by re-engineering legacy business processes.
  • Expands FIS‘ outsourcing footprint into the Caribbean and provides foundation to introduce Caribbean-based outsourced services to other banks within the Latin American and Caribbean region.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Building on an 18-year trusted partner relationship, FIS™ (NYS: FIS) , the world’s largest provider of banking and payments technology, today announced it has entered into a seven-year agreement with FirstBank Puerto Rico to assume full on-site operational responsibility for the bank’s IT operations and staff. A leading global provider of outsourcing solutions, this new deal is the first of its kind for FIS in the Caribbean.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the financial services marketplace, FIS delivers a complete set of outsourcing services that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of financial institutions. Under the terms of this multi-year agreement, FIS will assume operational control of FirstBank Puerto Rico’s IT operations including hardware and software upgrades, application management, skilled operations personnel, help desk and desktop services. The resulting environment will enable the bank to realize lower operating costs, greater operational efficiencies and full regulatory compliance. The bank will also have access to FIS‘ portfolio of industry-leading solutions which will provide top-tier system functionality and assist the bank’s growth strategy as it launches new products and services.

“Our extended relationship with FIS enables us to take advantage of their expertise in managing complex IT infrastructures while ensuring that the technology continues to deliver the results we need for the customers we serve,” said Aurelio Alemán, president and CEO of FirstBank Puerto Rico. “At FirstBank Puerto Rico, we strive to focus on initiatives that deliver value to our customers.”

According to research firm Celent, financial institutions spend more than 77% of their budgets on maintenance and while this figure is expected to fall marginally in 2015, it will still remain above 75%.

“The hard dollar costs and regulatory burdens of maintaining a complex IT environment are driving more institutions to take …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

CenturyLink Deploys Ciena 100G Packet Optical Technology Across Global Network

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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CenturyLink Deploys Ciena 100G Packet Optical Technology Across Global Network

Ciena’s solutions increase capacity and provide a scalable and programmable OP n network architecture optimized for delivering high performance consumer, enterprise, data center and wholesale services

HANOVER, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Ciena® Corporation (NAS: CIEN) , the network specialist, today announced that CenturyLink, Inc. (NYS: CTL) recently utilized its converged packet optical platform with WaveLogic coherent optical technology to modernize and upgrade its network that spans more than 50 metropolitan locations across the United States. This deployment allows CenturyLink to offer a better range of high-speed services including 1GE, 10GE, 100GE and equivalent wavelengths to businesses in the United States and in select international cities.

Key Facts:

  • CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the U.S. and provides data, voice and managed services to businesses and consumers in local, national and select international markets and is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT services for enterprises.
  • CenturyLink is utilizing Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform featuring WaveLogic coherent optical technology to support its in-region and national metro networks, and has deployed 6500-based 100G networks in select international cities.
  • The 6500 platform will also offer integrated packet switching which gives CenturyLink agility in the delivery of groomed Ethernet services to its enterprise customers.
  • CenturyLink is a Diamond partner in Ciena’s BizConnect partner program.

Executive Quotes:

  • “CenturyLink understands the increasing need for scalability, capacity and high-speed network services for today’s business requirements. Ciena’s converged packet and coherent optical technology allows us to provide speed and capacity improvements to our international and domestic regional networks, creating a true, end-to-end 100G network to deliver today’s bandwidth-intensive services and applications.”
    – Pieter Poll, senior vice president of national and international network planning, engineering and construction, CenturyLink