The impact and a potential of information technology is taken into consideration as integrated part of NLB's decision making process. The substantial investment in information technology is commencing to deliver tangible results.

One of these results was the first step in the implementation of a new integrated banking transactional system, purchased and customized under the Sigma project. The success of this project was predicated on the effective development of interfaces, data migration and the supporting multiple computer environments. Internet banking, based on a PKI security infrastructure was enhanced with new functionalities for individual and corporate customers. A new data-warehouse project was started as a universal response to different data requirements of several departments within the Bank. Close cooperation between IT departments of banks within the Group in last years has contributed to smooth integration of three merged banks in autumn 2001. Complete integration of information systems is due to be completed by year end 2002.

The modernization of the distributed systems infrastructure (network servers and work stations) in NLB was completed, what enabled important functionalities. Investments in the central computer centre have significantly improved the level of physical security. Backup central computer and storage systems were procured and will be installed in the refurbished backup centre premises in the first quarter of 2002. Private fiber-optical communication ring was constructed, connecting main NLB buildings in Ljubljana. Efforts invested in process reengineering and documentation under the NLB-ISO 9001/TickIT project were rewarded by achieving the ISO certification.