Dual Site - Double security
The proportion of payments that are made with electronic payment cards increase steadily in Sweden. As we get used to paying more of our purchases with our cards, our expectations on trouble-free electronic purchasing increases.
- There is no longer any time of the day when we can close down our systems for maintenance. And would an unexpected production stop arise in the card traffic, it would have huge consequences for both merchants and consumers. One of our most important investments during the last years was therefore the build up of Dual Site, says Sissel Johnsen, Director Production & Operation at CEKAB.
With Dual Site, CEKAB has two complete operation platforms on different geographic locations. The two platforms are connected and all data is replicated constantly between them so that all information is doubly stored.
- Two complete operation platforms mean that maintenance can be done without stopping the card traffic, since we only need to close down one of the platforms, Sissel explains.
Naturally, Dual Site also creates an increased security since the operation platforms are located in different places with a substantial distance between. In case of an operational breakdown in the form of an accident or an attack on one of the places it will only affect one of the platforms.
- Today card payments are more crucial for companies than they were a few years back, says Sissel. Now that many people are used to the convenience of cards, not everyone carries cash around all the time. Therefore merchants risk huge losses if the card traffic goes down.
The capacity increased significantly with the build up of Dual Site. The system automatically sends the traffic via the platform where there is most free space.
- We recommend that banks, PSPs and merchants with direct connection to CEKAB evaluate their communication on regular basis, says Sissel. Upgrading to Dual Site is one way to significantly improve capacity and security, but you may also want to review your choice of communication type and supplier.
If you need more information about your communication options, feel free to contact CEKAB for a consultation.