New service maximises trading floor uptime

IPC Information Systems has launched Advanced Fault Management (AFM), a proactive, real-time monitoring service designed to optimise trader voice system availability from the trading desk to the carrier network. Trained technicians at IPC's three newly opened Global Solutions & Operations Centers (GSOCs) in New York, London and Sydney coordinate AFM service delivery for banks and brokerages around the world in a 24x7 "follow-the-sun" model, in contrast to the traditional and time consuming "break-and-fix" model of system maintenance managed in-house.

"The principal value of Advanced Fault Management is simple - to identify and resolve any issues with lines and equipment long before a trader would discover them," said Lance Boxer, IPC's chief executive officer. "We've turned the traditional process on its head. Typically a trader notices a problem, calls the communications team over, and an urgent resolution process ensues. Instead, we monitor the equipment and the lines 24/7 and resolve issues immediately and often remotely. The end result is maximum efficiency for traders, and minimal headaches for the IT department. AFM is a quantum leap in the service level to the trader and the trading floor."

Using proprietary AFM software in conjunction with IPC's secure global network, the GSOC monitors alarms generated by the customers' trading systems - down to the individual trader - as well as all carrier-connected digital access circuits. The service immediately analyses the root cause of failure and proactively dispatches the required resources to the customer site for problem resolution.

Every morning before the trading day commences, AFM performs a "Morning Health Check," monitoring trading desks, line cards, power supplies, and carrier access lines and sending customers a detailed systems health report by 7.00 am.

Problems identified by AFM are assigned for prioritised resolution. Additionally, recurring symptoms are reviewed - even if the condition was intermittent or self-healing - to ensure that trading operations continue without interruption. Customers also can view the status of their systems and access statistical alarm analysis at any time via a secure web-based portal.

www.ipc.com

•Date: 10th February 2004 •Region: Various •Type: Article •Topic: Financial sector
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