At CU*Answers, we offer our clients a core solution not a core system.
CU*Answers’ signature CU*BASE system combines the processing power of a proven, feature rich application with business logic and middleware standards designed to promote integration with third party systems such as Zoot for online credit bureau access and Paymentus for electronic bill payment and presentment. This open business philosophy empowers clients to expand into new, dynamic processes on a level rarely found with traditional packages.
The ASP model targets credit unions of any size. Benefits of the ASP include a menu of enterprise processing services, including Network Services – a Virtual Private Network (VPN) offering a secured, high-speed link to access select business partners, virtual education, technical and client support services. Additionally, CU*Answers will manage client data communications and network security access to CU*BASE, while providing a single delivery channel for services such as online banking, audio response, ATM/debit and credit card offerings. All of these are tightly integrated to benefit from the CU*BASE relational database structure.
The ASP model incorporates TCP/IP networking, popular LAN/WAN server technology, CISCO communications routers and firewall security to provide automated systems balancing and controls. To ensure maximum efficiency, the ASP is architected to be physically separated from CU*Answers programming, quality control and item processing networks. Other ASP benefits include:
- Minimal Capital Investment
- ASP eliminates upfront, long-term capital expenditures often associated with in-house processing including equipment, software license fees, operations staff and more.
- Future Growth Demands
- ASP incorporates unlimited scalability as based future growth demands, without the client having to budget for or incur large capital outlays.
- Eliminate Technology Obsolescence
- ASP clients typically deploy new member services faster. Since the ASP pricing model is based upon a per transaction or event basis, clients benefit from eliminating cash layouts routinely required for keeping up with rapidly changing technology, and the financial risk associated with member indifference to those purchased products.
- Operational Simplicity
- End of day, end of month and year-end processing requirements become a non-event. CU*Answers literally becomes an extension of your staff for completing these processes. An added benefit is that ASP clients are able to eliminate their dependence upon a single-operator shift having to support a 24/7 self-service product environment.
- Disaster Recovery and Security
- ASP incorporates an extensive and layered approach to ensuring optimum performance and security safeguards. Back-up systems include transaction posting to redundant processing platforms, on-site battery and generator back-up, contracted IBM hot-site services, and Branch Sharing options; all for under 2.5 cents per member month!
- Peace of Mind
- ASP eliminates the stress and worries often associated with managing an internal system. In many ways, it allows credit union people to focus on what they do best versus having to become data processing and network security experts. What value do you place on this? For many, ASP provides the perfect balance for promoting quality member service while ensuring a regular and consistent approach to data processing.
