Dubai, UAE

The aim of the project was to provide customers with the convenience of banking via the Internet and also use WAP/GPRS enabled devices in a secure environment. While these services are over two years old, Habib Bank AG Zurich has recently ported its solution to Intel machines running Linux Virtual Servers (LVS) for scalability.

“We are already providing more than eight years of consolidated customer account history over our various integrated delivery channels” says Reza S. Habib, Joint President at Habib Bank AG Zurich. “XML interfacing, cascading login management and over 75 options can be used to monitor and transact accounts.”

The best way to achieve this aim, according to the Habib Bank AG Zurich IT team, was to create a single delivery channel for both routine and one-off transactions. The HBZgsm event-based SMS messaging system would ‘push' information to customers on specific events. Meanwhile the HBZweb and HBZwap would both ‘pull' services for actions such as funds transfer or opening letters of credit based on SMS messages.

Gilbert Lacroix, General Manager of Intel Middle East and North Africa said "Intel is absolutely delighted to provide this trend-setting bank with the technology that brings cutting-edge solutions to its customers. Our technology continues to present cost effective ways to bring the benefits of convenience to people in the Middle East, and we continue to invest heavily in research, development and factories to bring affordable computing power to allow the public greater convenience".


About Intel Corporation
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

About Habib Bank AG Zurich
Habib Bank AG Zurich was established in 1967 on a solid foundation of banking tradition that spans several generations. Traditional banking values set in the context of international banking has determined Habib Bank AG Zurich's corporate philosophy - "Service with Security" - for over 35 years in operation. Providing trade finance, corporate, consumer, private, retail and correspondent banking, products the bank offers highly personalized service to its customers through its international network of over 30 branches and online at http://www.habibbank.com

Issued on behalf of Intel by Gulf Hill & Knowlton, Dubai. For further information please contact James Mullan or Briony Peters on 334 4930 or Roland Jones of Intel on 224 7111

For more information on Habib Bank AG Zurich please contact Nick Leighton or Kirsten Campbell-Morris, 971 4 331 1593.