Client: KASHF Microfinance Bank Project: Hardware infrastructure based on SUN Servers M5000 with 6140 SAN Storage, Sybase ASE, Solairs environment.
Technology: hPLUS™ Java banking system using Sybase ASE, Solairs,Client Overview
Inspired by the success of the Grameen Bank, Kashf Foundation (meaning miracle or revelation i.e. a process of self-discovery) began in 1996 as an action research program focusing, for the first two years, on determining and understanding key factors having an impact on the demand for microfinance services by poor women. Kashf Foundation began with many firsts: it was the first specialized Microfinance institution in Pakistan, it was the first Microfinance institution targeting only women from low income communities and it was also the first Microfinance institution to charge a sustainable price for its services. Since its inception, Kashf Foundation has continued to trail-blaze – in 1999 it introduced the first pro-women consumption loan in the sector, in 2001 it was the first Microfinance institution to offer micro-insurance services by collaborating with one of Pakistan’s oldest insurance companies, in 2003 it was the first Microfinance institution to become financially sustainable, in 2004 it was the first Microfinance institution to obtain an investable credit rating and in 2007 it has been able to close over $36 million in commercial deals with key local and international banks.
Problems Faced
Integration and management issues related to multiple systems with different platforms, operating systems and databases continue to challenge the industry in terms of increased costs, growing volumes, and operational risk management.
Implemented Solution
KASHF Microfinance Bank developed hPLUS™, the world’s first Java banking system using Sybase ASE. The hPLUS™ team believed that interoperability would become the single most important aspect of the architecture.
hPLUS™ is a solution that addresses these issues with a focus on online transaction processing, decision support resulting in the reduction of operational risk. It uniquely incorporates and integrates functionality and utilities onto one platform, thereby reducing dependency on multiple business solution vendors and technology systems. This ensures rapid delivery and strong Return On Investment (ROI).
BiLOGiC’s single integrated enterprise solution reduces the Total Cost of Procurement (TCP) and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) significantly. The TCO payback on procurement can be within a year with savings continuing year on year.
Benefits Provided to KASHF Microfinance Bank (KMB)
