Information Technology and Management

  The advanced and user-friendly ICT system deployed by ICB has won appreciation of all its stake holders. The comprehensive computer strategy encompassing all the features of an effective and intelligent structure employs modern and appropriate hardware and software. The system is also equipped with built-in flexibility for rapid transformation and adjustment as and when the situation warrants. The above developments and efforts have helped ICB to computerize its overall activities in an orderly manner. Utmost priority is given to recruitment of skilled and qualified manpower to run the system smoothly with time bound approach.

Sufficient numbers of computers, printers and other hardwares are procured every year. Computer personnel working in ICB has developed a large number of customized software in-house which are being used regularly. In addition, some software requiring sophisticated and extraneous, inputs have also been procured from outside sources. These software handle a wide array of activities of various departments at the head office and of the branches. The important ones of these software are Merchandising Operation Management System, Mutual Funds Scrip and Ownership Management System, Stock Exchange Index Publication, IPO Management System, Personnel Management Information System, Project Information Management System, Meeting Minutes Storage & Retrieval, Law Suits Tracking, Unit Sale and Repurchase Management System, Financial Feasibility Analysis for Projects, Accounting Application (General Ledger, Staff Loan, Payroll, Unit Lien, FDR/TDR, Lease Finance, Project Loan, Fixed Asset Management, Inventory), Unit Reconciliation, Mutual Fund Reconciliation, Share Reconciliation and Telephonic Transaction and Inquiry System (TTIS).

As a result of dematerialization of securities in growing numbers related to bigger number of companies under CDS, scrip-less trading is increasing quite fast. The relevant software have been modified accordingly.

ICB has taken broad band internet connection to get access to internet for its head office and branch

  IT Planning Process in ICB

 ICB has emerged as one of the leaders in computerization and software developers in Bangladesh . ICB initiated computerization programme in 1985. Thus it is one of the very first local financial institutions to adopt computers and computing software systems in Bangladesh . Since then ICB has been continuously upgrading the system according to specific long-term plans to keep pace with modern financial world. When planning for long-term sustainable IT framework throughout the organization the prime factors ICB always considered are:

•  IT friendly process that is easily adaptable to computer technologies.

•  A solid computerization environment and platform of choices which will serve for a long time and can be easily tailored for future enhancements/up gradation.

•  A solid hardware and network platform that is stable, scalable and have high performance with a special focus on future business diversification, mean-time-to-response.

•  Scope of future enhancement both in terms of business process and in terms of IT infrastructure so that ICB can always keep pace with the fast changing world of financial operations.

•  A separate division dedicated to IT with enough expertise to carry on future enhancement and development process and system support.

•  The computerization plan should put emphasis on selection of hardware, network technology and platform software like RDBMS choice management support.

Computer hardware installation

In 1998 latest model multi users & Multi tasking computer and high-speed network systems were installed. The systems comprise of Two Unix Servers with Pentium Pro multiprocessors, One RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disk) Subsystems, Two Windows NT Servers and 90 PCs. are procured phase by phase to cater to the need of customers. The system has been upgraded by the latest available technology. The new set-up is a cluster server system consisting of two powerful servers.

Network Systems

Four (Two 48 ports and Two 24 ports) network switches are installed for networking of four floors and two backbone switches are used to interconnect the Four network switches.

RDBMS Software

As most of the systems of ICB is data entry with high transaction rate and high MIS payload, Oracle7 was chosen as the RDBMS system. Now Oracle 10g, the latest version of Oracle is being used.

Computerization of Branch Offices

Oracle based customized software's are installed in the ICB branch offices. Necessary training was given to officers of branches offices for smooth operations of the installed software.

Customized Software

Thirteen (13) customized software's have been developed for total automation of Operational activities of ICB.

Web-page and Tele-banking

ICB's own web-page was launched and TTIS (Telephonic Transaction and Inquiry System) Software was installed to provide better service to the investors of all levels at home and abroad. Many Investors have done registration with the Investor's Department to get the service.

Internet

Head office and branch offices are connected with internet. Any department or branch office can download required information from website web server.

Manpower Support

Corporation has built up a strong technical and managerial manpower setup in its IT area. To cope with the latest development in IT, extensive training is being given to the IT personnel regularly.

With all these in mind, in 1996 ICB decided to restructure and refurnish its IT infrastructure in a whole new way taking advantage of the-then latest technologies with an estimated financial involvement of Tk. 3.00 crore (approx.). Today's ICB computerization is the result of the above systematic planning.

Future Roadmap

A great deal of planning effort of the Corporation has been towards future IT structure and related operations. In the roadmap the following goals have been set

•  The computerization plan should put emphasis on selection of hardware, network technology and platform software like RDBMS choice management support.

•  Establishing ICB firmly on IT industry not only as a consumer but also as a formidable IT solution provider especially in the financial sector. ICB believes its huge experience over the years and infrastructure are something that can be offered in the financial arena of Bangladesh and abroad on business basis in the future.

•  ICB is in the line of a unified system with end-to-end operational activity solution and MIS. With this in mind there is a plan for future integration and re-engineering of the existing software system into an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

•  ICB is planning to connect all its branch operation online with its head office system. Online integrated branch banking with the central data depository in head office based on a strong WAN connection is the next in line.

•  ICB is planning to provide web-based online services to its clients. The online system will incorporate a business-to-client service for end-users and a business-to-business service for corporate sector and other business associates.

•  In the long run, ICB may consider establishing a separate business entity on IT, if found viable .

•  ICB is considering to go for starting full fledged activities in the field of IT area.