CR2 Sign Multi-Million Dollar Contract with BankMuscat
(CR2 to provide Channel Banking Platform for BankMuscat) 

CR2 Group, a global provider of channel banking and card payment solutions, has signed a significant, multi-million dollar contract with BankMuscat, as the preferred supplier for the Bank's channel banking strategy.

BankMuscat, which was established in 1993, is a user of CR2's ATM solution since 1998. A progressive and expanding bank, it has through acquisition and growth, now become one of the dominant players in Oman, a leader in corporate, investments and retails banking.

BankMuscat will implement CR2's Channel Banking platform, BankWorld. Using BankWorld BankMuscat will integrate its branch banking, ATM and call centre system to provide a single view of their individual customers across a range of delivery channels. Inline with developing technologies, additional electronic channels will be added next year for the banks enlarged customer base. BankMuscat will also implement CR2's CardWorld Issuer Producer solutions, empowering the bank to have full control and in-house capability for its end to end card payments infrastructure.

This project represents a significant deal that will span the next few years; it incorporates both the delivery and implementation of software solutions and professional services from CR2 with an estimated value in excess of three million dollars.

Mr. Abdulrazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive of BankMuscat says: " We have a clear vision for the future of BankMuscat. Over the past decade we have build a solid foundation and direct path for the banks growth and development. Key to our progress has been the use of the latest technologies and developing strong relationships with solution providers such as CR2. In order to reach our customer base and drive cross-selling opportunities, BankMuscat selected BankWorld, as we needed a channel management platform that communicates with our multi-channel delivery systems, and provides our customers with a consistent view of their personal finances.

Mr. Abdulrazak Ali Issa, added, " Following rigorous evaluation of several suppliers our decision to select CR2 was based on three factors. CR2's partnership approach and seamless integration of our ATM systems during the merger of BankMuscat and Commercial Bank of Oman was evidence that we work well as a team. The BankWorld technology facilities both the Immediate and future needs of BankMuscat, while alternative systems reviewed from middleware and back office suppliers fell short on some of our requirements. It is a proven system and well advanced. BankWorld is one of the few systems that provides rich functionality on the delivery channels together with the integrated channel management capabilities in the back office, thereby leverage our existing systems on customers financial activity. Lastly the well respected knowledge and experience of CR2 not only in the channel banking but also in the Cards payments business was a significant factor in our decision process. "

Ron Downey, joint CEO, CR2, says, "BankMuscat is a valuable and important customer for CR2. The Bank has more than 126+ ATMs across Oman running CR2's software, and the additional purchase of CR2's channel management and card payment solutions further enforces BankMuscat's commitment to CR2's pioneering technology. We are now looking forward to extending our relationship with BankMuscat, as a strong synergy between both organization in terms or products innovation and business vision.