Global solutions
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In a changing business, it is important that Rl is
involved in the earliest stage. Calling us in at the
end forces us into fast but expensive solutions, the
quick and dirty model. (Internal) clients of Global
Administration have seen results of this improved
communication; they realise that the AMC knows
where their best interests lie. They trust us so they
come to us early in the process when they have an
idea,' explains Cuyckens. This allows the AMC to
work out the optimal support solution.
Global Administration has shown itself able to
provide local solutions without rejecting global
solutions when needed. One example is the
Global Financial Markets (GFM) systems. As
GFM is a global business, the systems and
structures to support them are also global.
Another example and a recent challenge for
Australia-New Zealand is the introduction of
RI's DirectBank Down Under. There will be no
local systems for Rabobank Internet banking
in Australia-New Zealand; they are all in
Amsterdam and shared with the other
DirectBanks. This avoids unnecessary
duplication.
Our global IT infrastructure means that the computer desktop you
see at the Rl office in Sydney is the same as the one you see in Utrecht
or any branch: a very stable, highly secure environment with up-to-
the minute software.
Bernie Adamson, Global Head of IT Infrastructure, is responsible for
the desktops in RI's offices worldwide, for operating the business
systems, and for everything linking it all together. From London,
Adamson works with the Regional Heads of IT Infrastructure to stay
close to the business at a local level. Suggestions are fielded openly
between the technology groups across the regions. 'Some ideas do
not suit a given problem or location but working together often leads
to a better solution that can be used everywhere.'
Solutions like the BlackBerry™ for mobile Communications which was
championed in the Americas then adopted worldwide, and the
second generation of Remote Communications Services (RCS2) for
out-of-office desktop access that has been rolled out globally, have
impacted the whole of Rl. Together, these two solutions resulted in
the return of 70% of London's laptops, representing an enormous
reduction in associated costs.
Bernie Adamson
The infrastructure must be transparent to the user everywhere;
sending emails, sharing documents, and using systems has to "just
work". It is a fundamental, vital part of business,' says Adamson. The
solutions Global Administration provides make Rabobank truly
international.'
The Word
