The Problem ...

CCB, based in Durham, NC, is a regional powerhouse with 160 branches spread across the state. Rapid expansion had created significant challenges for CCB's IS professionals who had to deal with the problems of merging a legacy SNA network with disparate branch LANs.

The Solution ...

APTNet was introduced to CCB as an affordable LAN-over-SNA networking solution that would immediately solve their LAN-to-LAN connectivity needs. In addition, APTNet's file transfer and remote control services would add value and coexist with CCB's longer term bridge/router strategy. "APTNet implemented over SNA provides a rock solid network foundation or pseudo-WAN to support client/server applications in our growing multi-LAN branch environment," said Frans.

The Configuration ...

CCB has configured APTNet to run over SNA with SDLC links to branch communication servers (Novell and Portrait LANs with DOS clients). "APTNet installed easily into the existing mainframe SNA network and did not require any additional hardware or incremental lines to network the branch LANs into a manageable WAN," adds Frans.

How is APTNet used? ...

APTNet is used daily for the collection of electronic teller journals and for the transportation of Coin-based loan applications. CCB also uses APTNet's hotline messaging, software distribution, and remote control services on an ad-hoc basis.

Collecting Electronic Journals ...

CCB has written scripts using APTNet's File Distribution and Collection Services to automatically perform nightly uploads of teller electronic journal files. "This allows us to significantly reduce the teller transaction set that is immediately communicated to the mainframe, yet allows us to the keep all of the customer information captured in sync to create an accurate picture. Reducing the customer transaction set ultimately decreases data communication traffic and thus improves teller response time", comments Frans.

Transporting Loan Applications ...

The transportation of loan applications is also performed via APTNet. Coin's loan application interfaces with APTNet to route branch-originated loan applications for home-office process approval and completion. "Thanks to APTNet and Coin, loans are processed quickly and efficiently, which is very important in regards to customer satisfaction," said Frans.

The Bottom Line ...