The important thing is to develop the best tool in terms of functionality, standardisation, user-friendliness, access and security.

The different IT systems used in the various countries in which Fortis operates are to be streamlined by 2007. This will put an end to the use of dissimilar technologies and to system limitations, to discrepancies in graphic interfaces and service provision and to separate portal access.

FORTIS CONNECT is the new e-Banking platform for Fortis' Merchant & Commercial Banking. It is part of fortisbusiness.com, the international Commercial Banking website. It meets the needs of customers who operate at international level and focuses on basic functions such as payments, transactions and statements of account.

The platform meets the following criteria:

• Secure and uniform
• Universal, scaleable, can be rolled out quickly anywhere
• User-friendly
• Web-based for Benelux customers: a PC with Windows XP OS, an ISABEL key and Internet access are all that is required
• Compatible with existing Fortis online services such as Click 'n Trade, Click 'n Deal and Cash Management,
• Future-proof: takes into account the future European payment environment
• Open: further expansion of basic functions with innovative bank services is possible.

Fortis Connect future-proof e-Banking

FORTIS CONNECT was fully developed by Fortis. The e-Banking application bridges the gap between the bank's front and back offices worldwide. Linking FORTIS CONNECT with business management software (ERP) will lead to major administrative simplification and cost savings for multinationals.

Fortis guarantees the extremely high security of FORTIS CONNECT. Fortis is co-founder of ISABEL, one of the world's most secure banking platforms. FORTIS CONNECT takes into account expected developments in Internet security (e-ID cards, smart card readers on Windows XP, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certification, etc.).

In addition FORTIS CONNECT is ready today for future European payment systems and their protocols. The FORTIS CONNECT rollout started in January 2006 for international customers in the Benelux, Spain and the UK.

Practical example cross-border cash management

A company operating in several locations at home and abroad has a PC with Windows XP OS, an ISABEL key and Internet access. The international customer accesses the secure Fortis network with an ISABEL signature through the Fortis portal.

The company is able to administer and monitor the entire cash management in several countries from a single workstation. The FORTIS CONNECT e-Banking application can be used in each country separately with the same "look and feel" and is compatible with national electronic payment methods.

Cross-border payments, transactions and statements are linked with the company's ERP, drastically simplifying administration. Global reporting within the parent company makes monitoring easier.