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Securities & Exchange Commision of Pakistan (SECP)
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The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) was set up in pursuance of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997. This Act institutionalized certain policy decisions relating to the constitution and structure, powers, and functions of the SECP, thereby giving it administrative authority and financial independence in carrying out its regulatory and statutory responsibilities.
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The lack of capacity of frontline regulator to undertake an effective surveillance function impelled the SECP to establish its own surveillance function. In order to enhance the surveillance capacity of the SECP, it was decided to procure surveillance software. For this purpose, proposals were invited from international vendors with representation in Pakistan. In response to the advertisement, following three companies submitted proposals:-
Systems ('Smarts'), Australia, partnered with EDP Services,
Pakistan Millennium IT, Sri Lanka partnered with Techlogix, Pakistan,
Systems Innovations Private Limited ('Si3), Pakistan.
A special procurement committee was formed in March 2006 for evaluation of these proposals and recommending the surveillance solution for procurement. All proposals received were evaluated on functional, technical and financial grounds. On technical grounds, Smarts was considered the best among all surveillance solutions.
However, the cost for procurement of Smarts mounting to $2.01 million was very high and time-line for implementation of basic module extended over a period of 2 years. Conversely, 'Awacs' offered features which closely related to Pakistani market and the cost was significantly lower compared to other surveillance solutions.
On the recommendations of the special procurement committee, it was decided by the SECP on January 16, 2007 to procure 'Awacs' software by Si3. Total cost for procurement of 'Awacs' amounted to $347,500 whereby application cost equaled $210,000, travelling and administrative charges summed to $17,500 and $120,000 were allocated for service and maintenance cost for a period of 5 years. Subsequently, a contract was signed with Si3 on March 2, 2007.
After the implementation of 'Awacs' Phase one deliverables at SECP, the surveillance system aided in detection of numerous instances of wash sale and short selling, where the enforcement actions have been taken after conducting the investigation. Real-time monitoring of trading activities for all exchanges is conducted on daily basis. SECP is now reportedly investigating several cases of short-selling, price manipulation, and insider trading, wash sales and circular trading with the help of 'Awacs', Si3 feels proud to successful Implementation of phase 1 at SECP
SECP is now moving forward with implementation of Phase 2 deliverables with the existing arrangement, whereby the System Innovations Private Ltd. Si3 will implement phase two deliverables as well as for support services by entering service level agreement (SLA). In this regard, SECP has also approached to finalize the scope of work and time-line for implementation of phase 2 and SLA.
Dubai Islamic Bank
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Dubai Islamic Bank has the unique distinction of being the world’s first fully-fledged Islamic bank, a pioneering institution that has combined the best of traditional Islamic values with the technology and innovation that characterize the best of modern banking. DIB has recently started branch operations in Pakistan.
Since its formation in 1975 as the world’s first full-service Islamic bank, Dubai Islamic Bank(DIB) has established itself as the undisputed leader in its field, setting the standards for others to follow as the trend towards Islamic banking gathers momentum in the Arab world and internationally. |
Due to the bank’s recent entry in Pakistan’s market with branch offices nation-wide, DIB has set up their Networking and Server Infrastructure in Karachi. This site requires a Disaster Recovery (DR) facility enabling DIB with remote backup hardware and systems support. Si3 is providing DIB a Disaster Recovery Site at Si3 Data Center to host the Core Banking Application, and other critical support systems including proxy servers.
The Disaster Recovery Site IT infrastructure comprising of IBM pSeries and xSeries servers including IBM Blade Center has been provisioned by Si3 as well. In the case of a disaster or a system(s) failure/crash at the DIB Head Office, the systems would be available through Si3’s Data Center which is connected by a 2MBps DXX Link and an alternate route via a 512Kbps backup link to be established over the internet through VPN tunnel.
This partnership has enabled DIB with remote backup hardware and systems support.
Mindshare
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Mindshare was created in 1997 as the first truly global full-service media company. It is now a team of 5,300 people in 65 countries around the world. Mindshare Pvt. Ltd is the largest media planning company in Pakistan. Mindshare manages advertisement campaigns on print and electronic media. Mindshare has been ‘Media Company of the year’ for last 3 years. |
Si3 has implemented a Media Planning Application using .Net technology for Mindshare. This application, named AXON, replaces a previous desktop based application. AXON is used to plan the campaign and generate release order for print and media suppliers like Dawn, Geo and ARY. It generates invoices for suppliers and provides integration with their financial application named ADEPT.
Mybank Limited
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The bank commenced its operations in the year 1992 as a full Commercial Schedule bank under the license issued by the State Bank of Pakistan. The Bank within a short period of time spread its network all over Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, consisting of 50 branches. The bank has the privilege of having one of the largest network among all the newly established private banks in Pakistan. All branches of the bank are located at vintage points covering a large segment of population and business houses. |
Si3 has been selected as IT Outsourcing Partner for Mybank Limited. Si3's responsibilities as an IT Integrator and Outsourcing Service Provider encompass rolling out entire IT Infrastructure and Application Outsourcing on a turn-key basis over an aggressive 7-year timeline.
Mybank Limited (formerly Bolan Bank Limited), with a new management team in place marched forward with a well articulated strategy to establish itself as the bank that offers the Best Customer Service. To achieve this objective the bank decided to focus on the core competency of banking and customer service. Concurrently, the bank decided to outsource functions where others could do a better job for the bank while remaining aligned with the bank's overall strategy and objectives.
Additionally, Mybank understands that technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success in today's banking operations. From technology dependent banking delivery channels such as ATMs, Internet Banking and Tele-banking, to Core Banking Applications that automate the front and back-office operations, technology is key to ensuring that information flows within a bank are efficient and accurate and lead to faster and more intelligent decision-making.
Through a process of competitive evaluation of proposals from local and international IT Integrator companies, Mybank Limited selected Si3 as the preferred supplier to undertake the responsibility for outsourcing its entire IT infrastructure across the 50 branch network spread over 22 cities in Pakistan. This being a pioneering initiative by a bank in the country, Mybank has created a landmark in the banking industry in Pakistan .
With this goal in mind, Si3 has undertaken a total overhaul of the Bank's technological infrastructure. The scope of the proposed technological change encompasses applications for Core Banking, Email, Electronic Document Management as well as Databases, Servers, Network Infrastructure design and components.
In addition, Si3 has undertaken a Lifecycle Management approach to Mybank to cater to post-implementation requirements. A Managed Services solution provides technology upgrades, maintenance and support under a turn-key services umbrella where all applications and infrastructure management is outsourced. Furthermore, formal Project Management methodologies are being applied to ensure timely and successful completion of this project.
National Logistics Corporation - NLC
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NLC is a national provider of Transportation, Engineering and Tolling Services and also the largest logistics company in Pakistan . In addition to Fleet Logistics, NLC operations include management of Dry Ports , Highway construction and maintenance activities, as well as Toll collection at highways. |
Under the e-NLC Program, the National Logistics Corporation is creating a fully networked, IT-enabled environment which streamlines business processes and eliminates operational redundancies. Additionally, it will provide 'real-time' accurate data for managing all administrative and business functions. Si3's role as technology partner to NLC is to provide end-to-end enterprise services which include Consulting (Technology Selection, Business Process Review, Technology Procurement, Contract & Vendor Management, and Training & Skills Development) ; Systems Integration (Project Management, Change Management, Applications, Data Center Deployment, Infrastructure Deployment); and Outsourcing Services.
Central Depository Company
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Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC) was incorporated in 1993 to manage and operate the Central Depository System (CDS). CDS is an electronic book entry system to record and transfer securities. The aim of CDC is to operate as a central securities depository on behalf of the financial services industry so as to contribute to the country's ability to support an effective capital market system which will attract institutional and retail level investors from Pakistan and abroad. |
CDC needs to develop its IT Strategy so that IT initiatives can be prioritized according to the business needs of CDC. Alignment of IT strategy, with the business strategy is imperative so that IT can cater the needs of business. This focused strategy provides technology directions that CDC needs in order to fulfill its business objectives. IT strategic planning will allow CDC to look at the current IT operating environment and make projections about the future IT operating environment based on CDC's evolving business requirements. It will help CDC to optimize the use of IT resources and ensure the availability of trained IT personnel. The Si3 DiscoverT methodology provides a structured approach for a robust IT Strategy Framework for a large financial institution like CDC with diverse and growing IT needs. Si3 will conceptualize and document the initiatives necessary to ensure the successful identification, coordination, prioritization, planning, and execution of enterprise-wide IT related projects on an ongoing basis.
Deployment of VERITAS Cluster Services On Linux Platform
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Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is Pakistan’s most reliable and largest converged services carrier providing all telecommunications services from basic voice telephony to data, Internet, video-conferencing and carrier services to consumers and businesses all over the country.
Whether it is an office in the largest city of Pakistan or a home in a small village, they present in every corner of Pakistan to serve their customers. |
With the technical excellence, Si3 has successfully deployed the VERITAS Cluster Services on Linux platform at Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Mobilink GSM Pakistan.
As a requirement of a stable & secure messaging solution, PTCL and Mobilink GSM selected the Critical Path's Memova Messaging Application and VERITAS Cluster Services for high availability. Critical Path's Memova Messaging Application is a complete system delivering high-speed stable & secure messaging services to a wide range of its users. It based on industry standard concepts and techniques however, VERITAS Cluster Services is a highly available application that provides 99.999% of services uptime.
To maintain the tradition of excellence, Si3 has successfully deployed both the applications of VERITAS Cluster Services for the first time in Pakistan over Linux platform.
Habib Bank Limited
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The Habib Bank Group is a leader in Pakistan's services industry. An extensive network of 1425 domestic branches – the largest in Pakistan – and 55 international branches has enabled HBL to provide comprehensive services that meet customer needs. This has ensured thriving client relationships that form the backbone of the Bank's operations. Habib Bank has been a pioneer in providing innovative banking services. These have included the installation of the first mainframe computer in Pakistan followed by the first ATM and more recently, internet banking facilities in all its 1425 domestic branches. |
Si3 was tasked with providing Habib Bank Ltd. with a Best Practices Secure Banking Infrastructure Framework . Si3 implemented its Discover Methodology for defining IT Security Policy and implementing it at Habib Bank. Network Services at Si3 brought resource efficiencies by optimizing the WAN infrastructure and installing the Network Management Services for all devices throughout the enterprise. This network optimization delivered was a significant improvement on the performance of the existing infrastructure.
United Bank Limited
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United Bank Limited is one of the largest commercial banks in the country. With almost forty six years of good standing to its valued clients, it has stood the test of time, producing assets of over Rs. 300 billion. It offers its services through a wide network of over 1000domestic branches all over Pakistan and 15 overseas branches as part of its global network. |
Si3 proposed an Enterprise Management Solution Deployment for complete IT Support infrastructure at UBL. Si3's solutions are platform independent. Being vendor-neutral, we work closely with our customers to design and deliver optimized infrastructure deployments. Deployment of Tivoli products integrated with the Assyst Help Desk application is currently underway.
Si3 successfully deployed NetApp® storage solutions at UBL providing specialized hardware, software, and services, with seamless storage management for the bank's open network environments. Si3 represents Network Appliance, Inc. (NetApp), a world leader in unified storage solutions for today's data-intensive enterprise.
Si3 has been selected to design and develop a web portal for UBL Fund Manager, a subsidiary of United Bank Limited. Users can view and download information regarding UBL Mutual Funds. A variety of tools are available for Funds comparisons and projection of Return on Investment. The web application also sends vital information to subscribers via SMS.
Citibank Pakistan
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Citibank Pakistan has remained one of the leading multi national banks operational in Pakistan . The nineties were the decade of dominance for Citibank on the banking landscape of Pakistan and this trend continues. Citibank launched Credit Cards in the Pakistani Market and still is the leading provider of this service. Citibank has primarily maintained the lead by introducing new services to its portfolio of cards offerings. |
Si3's ECXS Payment gateway is a services offering for Virtual acquiring of VISA/MasterCard for Citibank. This initiative brought Pakistan on the global Ecommerce map and gave the power to Pakistani businesses to transact credit cards online. Si3 offers full services range within the electronic commerce project life-cycle, from design and implementation to operational support. Si3's focus on end-to-end solutions, from Upstream Services includes Market Research, Feasibility Reports, and Internet Surveys through creative Development Process to Downstream Services, helps emerging businesses to transform into e-businesses.
Bank Al Habib
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The Group's principal activities are to provide personal and commercial banking services to individuals and corporate primarily in Pakistan. The services provided by the Bank include current and deposit accounts, foreign currency accounts, monthly income scheme, loans to corporate, private and public sectors. It also provides issuance of guarantees, bid bonds, performance bonds, acceptance and placement of funds in the inter-bank market, purchase and sale of foreign currencies and government securities. The Group operates through a network of 101 branches. |
Si3 was tasked with providing Bank AL Habib with a Best Practices Secure Banking Infrastructure Framework . Si3 implemented its Discover Methodology for defining IT Security Policy and implementing it at Bank Al Habib. Network Services at Si3 brought resource efficiencies by optimizing the WAN infrastructure and installing the Network Management Services for all devices throughout the enterprise. This network optimization delivered was a significant improvement on the performance of the existing infrastructure.
Air Blue
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Air Blue is the newest private airline in Pakistan , which commenced its services in June 2004, operating a fleet of A320's. Air Blue is a trend-setter in the travel industry in Pakistan . Air Blue is the first company in Pakistan that has made use of IT as a strategic tool for disintermediation of the middle agent and reaching out directly to the customers.
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Air Blue wanted to gain greater efficiencies by increasing online reservations and encouraging more passengers to buy through its Web site. At the same time, it wanted to simplify the payment transaction process and minimize the risk and impact of online fraud. Air Blue selected Si3 ECXS Payment Gateway over an existing e-payment solution provided to them by an international company. Si3 ECXS is Si3's e-payment gateway with Citibank.
Mobilink GSM
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Mobilink GSM (PMCL), a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom, started its operations in 1994, and has become the market leader both in terms of growth as well as having the largest customer subscriber base in Pakistan - a base of over 10 Million and growing. Mobilink places high importance to its coverage, which is why it covers over 400 cities and towns nationwide as well as over 100 countries on international roaming service. |
Si3's phenomenal e-payment solution is offered both through the Short Message Service (SMS) and via web. Mobilink is using the Si3's payment processing solution to create a more convenient and dependable channel to accept payment using credit cards.
Ufone
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Ufone, a 100% owned subsidiary of PTCL was established to operate cellular GSM 900 services. Ufone expanded its coverage and has added new cities and highways to its coverage network. Ufone now covers over 100 key cities and prominent highways across Pakistan providing the customers best quality service and value for money. |
Si3's phenomenal e-payment solution is offered both through the Short Message Service (SMS) and via web. Ufone was the first company in Pakistan which launched Pak Rupee based online credit card transactions.
National Database Registration Authority - NADRA
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NADRA has been established with the objective of introducing a new, improved and modernized registration system for the entire population of Pakistan . Culminating among other things is the issuance of state-of-the-art computerized National Identity Cards (NIC) to all adult citizens of Pakistan . These NICs shall be duly computerized by the computerized database and data warehouse respectively called the Citizens' Database and National Data Warehouse (NDW). |
The Si3 ECXS Virtual acquiring solution has been implemented to facilitate Non Resident citizens to register online for the issuance of National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). This payment channel has greatly facilitated the applicant by reducing the payment problems by going to the bank and applying for the NICOP.
KASB Bank Limited
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The KASB Group established by Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari in 1952 has been working successfully in banking, securities, leasing, technology, research and community projects.
KASB Bank, with its presence in 13 cities, through its network of 35 branches, delivers a comprehensive range of banking services in consumer banking, corporate banking, treasury and trade finance. The Bank has been assigned medium to long term entity rating of BBB+ and short term rating of A2 giving a ‘Positive’ outlook. The Bank is progressing forward with the goal of delivering affordable services to individuals that meet all their possible needs and to provide its corporate banking clients access to a broader range of funding sources, made possible by the Group’s strong presence in investment banking business. |
KASB Bank Limited has embarked on a major refresh of its information technology infrastructure, primarily its Core Banking Application to achieve strategic business objectives. For this purpose the Bank has selected Misys Core Banking System and Si3 has been awarded the contract for deployment services.
Si3 as the lead integrator shall provide the functional and technical application implementation resources in collaboration with Misys and IBM Pakistan for the total project. Such an approach achieves two purposes; lowering the implementation costs and ensuring the availability of key functional and technical resources who understand the details of the solution during the course of the project. To ensure project success our technical services team shall work with the Bank’s business leaders so that the technical solution meets the business needs identified by the Bank.
The Core Banking System modules to be implemented include:
- Equation Core / Retail;
- Trade Innovation;
- Treasury;
- Branch Automation; and
- MIS Reporting.
This project shall be managed by a dedicated project manager through Si3’s Project Management Office (PMO). The PMO will provide expert solutions by certified Project Management Professionals (PMP) to KASB Bank with critical juncture support, a foundation of knowledge in structured project management, tools, methodologies, processes and quality assurance expertise. The project management services for this project will cover the complete lifecycle of the project from initiation to closing.
In addition to deployment services, Si3 has been contracted by KASB Bank to provide the core sever for running Misys application - IBM’s iSeries Server model 520.
MCB Bank
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MCB Bank Limited (Formerly Muslim Commercial Bank Limited) has a solid foundation of over 50 years in Pakistan, with a network of over 900 branches, over 750 of which are Automated Branches, over 225 MCB ATMs in 41 cities nationwide and a network of over 12 banks on the MNET ATM Switch.
MCB has become the only bank to receive the Euromoney award for the fourth time in the last five years. MCB won the "Best Bank in Pakistan" in 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, and in 2000 the "Best Domestic Bank in Pakistan" awards. In addition, MCB also has the distinction of winning the Asia Money 2005 & 2004 awards for being "The Best Domestic Commercial Bank in Pakistan". |
Si3 has been selected by MCB Bank Limited for provisioning of Information Technology Infrastructure comprising of IBM’s pSeries model p570 servers and xSeries model x346 servers along with associated licensed system software deployment. This shall be a one-window solution assisting MCB Bank fulfill end-to-end technical requirements seamlessly for the launching of its Card System Solution. Si3’s people, partnerships and proficiency in tools and methodologies utilization, its core strengths, are the factors that differentiated Si3 from its competitors.
As an IBM Business Partner, Si3 shall be supported by IBM Pakistan during the course of the project and shall be providing the warranty and maintenance services directly to the Bank. This grouping is extremely well positioned to meet the functional and technical requirements of the project.
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