One more way that the credit union industry is uniquely cooperative, 42 representatives from Synergent partner credit unions gather annually as the Technology Services Committee. This committee exists as a forum through which to share information, ideas, and to ensure credit unions are using and aware of the latest FinTech. Additionally, these meetings are an opportunity for Synergent to seek feedback from its credit union users that are on this committee, supporting future direction on technology delivery.

“Getting feedback from our credit union partners is critically important to help shape the strategic direction Synergent takes in reviewing the usefulness of existing offerings and conducting reviews of new technology and software,” shared Kyle Casburn, Committee Chair and CEO/President of Seaboard FCU. “One of the goals of the Technology Committee is to provide a venue to facilitate candid discussion about what is working well, what needs attention and what our credit unions’ wish list might entail.  It is always valuable to hear what your credit union peers are thinking and how Synergent can help achieve operational efficiencies to meet our members’ needs.”

Two topics discussed at the most recent meeting in February were managed security and IT support services, and data mining in Episys.

Managed Security and IT Support Services

Synergent is now working with two companies–Reliable Networks (a Division of OTT Communications) and Burgess Technology Services–to provide managed security and IT support services to credit unions. L. Mark Stone from Reliable Networks provided a managed security overview of the services they offer, including managed private/hybrid cloud hosting, managed on premises server/desktop services, consulting, and their “As a Service” line (security, backup, endpoint protection, Citrix Xen app/Xen desktop hosting, and file sharing). Stone also discussed hosted PBX and telecom services, including internet, dial tone and WAN, offered by OTT Communications.

Matt Rice shared the numerous managed IT support services provided by Burgess Technology Services. Their network support offerings include help desk resources, critical security updates, Episys, printing, network infrastructure, equipment procurement, vendor management and network monitoring (which includes security, bandwidth, and performance). Additional services include managed backup and antivirus, mobile device management, security training, email security and encryption, and disaster recovery.

Data Mining in Episys

Data mining continues to be an evolving and effective way to leverage the data that credit unions already possess. Ben Jordan, Synergent VP of Technology Services, shared some of the history of this evolution and led a discussion on how data mining can be done with Episys tools today, including EasyWriter, PowerOn, ARCU, and by partnering with Synergent Professional Services and/or Direct Marketing Services.  Doug MacDonald, VP of Direct Marketing Services, and Jen Braziel, Data Mining Specialist, shared how to leverage data to drive results by uncovering actionable marketing opportunities.