Case Studies

The Peoples Bank Provides the Security of Disaster Recovery through Centurion

Client Profile
Institution: The Peoples Bank
Address: 152 Lameuse Street, Biloxi, MS 39530
Telephone: (228) 435-5511
Web site: www.thepeoples.com
Vice President of Information Systems: Sandra York
Bank Assets: $580 million
Date Founded: 1896
Locations: 15
Employees: 227
Jack Henry & Associates Software Solutions:
   Silverlake System® core processing
   SuperIMAGE® POD
   Vertex Teller™
   NetTeller Online Banking™
   TimeTrack Payroll System™
   Centurion Disaster Recovery™

A mainstay in Biloxi, Mississippi since 1896, The Peoples Bank consistently holds the market share in the bustling Gulf Coast city. In fact, fifteen bank locations now dot the Mississippi coastline, as a growing number of customers depend on The Peoples Bank to do what it's always done ­ put people first.

Rich in a heritage of strength and stability, the bank is committed to ensuring that customers continue to enjoy the security to which they've grown accustomed. That includes preparing for disaster.

Centurion Offers Superior Recovery Center Testing
Though the threat of a hurricane is ever present along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, The Peoples Bank has safeguarded its operations against that and any "storm" that would seek to cause financial catastrophe. In February of 2001, the bank signed a contract with Jack Henry & Associates' Centurion Disaster Recovery™ Division to provide critical testing at its business recovery centers.

The Peoples Bank had previously used another vendor for business recovery testing, but support was lacking, according to Sandra York, Vice President of Information Systems for the bank. On the other hand, she says, "Jack Henry's Centurion group understands banking and banking equipment."

Centurion's in-depth knowledge became clear on the occasions when the bank called on Jack Henry for support while still testing at the previous vendor's site. Jack Henry software makes up the majority of the bank's solutions. Jack Henry repeatedly demonstrated superior support and responsiveness. That experience, along with the multiple sites of Centurion recovery centers, caused York and her technology committee to switch to Centurion for recovery testing.

"I can't say enough about Centurion's support. They are extremely helpful, doing everything they possibly can to help us with anything we need ­ from technical expertise to providing supplies."           Sandra York
          Vice President of Information Systems
          The Peoples Bank

Preparation is Everything
The first test with Centurion was set for May 2001, at the recovery center in Birmingham, Alabama. Preparation was thorough. Three months prior to the scheduled test, Centurion gave York detailed instructions regarding media and documents to be sent ahead, as well as items the Peoples Bank team needed to take to the site on the actual test date. A conference call between Centurion and the bank's technical staff and team members two weeks before the test ensured that objectives were clear and all involved parties were properly equipped.

The Test
York calls the bank's first test with Centurion a good one in which all objectives were met. "The testing we chose to conduct was much more elaborate than what we had done in the past," she says. "We tested items deemed essential to stay up and running in the event of a disaster. The more thorough we are, the greater comfort level I have that when we go to the site, recovery will be successful."

The testing was successful, in spite of ­ or even because of ­ various challenges that arose. York explains, "We expect to encounter problems and even welcome them, because we learn from our mistakes." Among those learning experiences was the fact that backups weren't as complete as they needed to be. In addition, York's group discovered the need to make a list of supplies and bring extras. The second year, the bank's recovery team would also bring user profiles to identify individuals who signed on to equipment, providing accountability when reviewing procedures after the fact.

Expanding the Test
Indeed, those changes were made in May of 2002, making the three-day testing period even more complete than the previous year. The bank's data files as well as libraries containing the Jack Henry Silverlake programs and procedures were loaded from magnetic tape to the AS/400. POD image capture was tested on a BancTec reader/sorter. End of day processing was restored and duplicated. Reports, special forms and statements were then printed and compared to actual reports from the same day to ensure accurate results.

Transactions were processed on proof machines at the site, and online testing was performed for the first time, transmitting transactions from the main bank office to the recovery site in Birmingham. Six Peoples Bank employees had traveled to Birmingham, with eight remaining at the bank to participate from Biloxi. NetTeller and Fedline transactions were also entered. Processing moved forward a day and transactions were verified by printing screens and various reports.

Next year, the newly installed Vertex Teller system will be tested, along with the bank's ATM processing. "Every year, we try to add new features to the testing and bring different people to the recovery site," states York. "We understand the importance of cross-training."

End to End Support
Throughout the testing process, Centurion met and exceeded expectations. York exudes, "I can't say enough about Centurion's support. They are extremely helpful, doing everything they possibly can to help us with anything we need ­ from technical expertise to providing supplies."

Centurion's attention to detail is seen even in its disaster declaration procedures, which York has now incorporated into the bank's business recovery plan. Centurion issues an updated CD every year, containing specific instructions on how to call Centurion and declare a disaster. All recovery center locations are included, as well as directions from local airports and site floor plans for each center. Area hotels, restaurants and financial institutions are also listed for the bank's convenience.

"Centurion excels in the number and location of sites provided, the equipment available, the amount of test time offered annually, and cost. They have immediate access to Jack Henry programmers and personnel. And Centurion understands banking. You just can't get that from any other disaster recovery service." ­ Sandra York

Thoroughness Breeds Security
Regulators are very pleased with the comprehensive testing conducted by the bank at Centurion. So is York. "I feel very confident that we could successfully operate from the Centurion Disaster Recovery Center should the need occur."

Her assurance comes from the fact that Centurion offers the same security that is the very fabric of the bank. "Centurion excels in the number and location of sites provided, the equipment available, the amount of test time offered annually, and cost," asserts York. "They have immediate access to Jack Henry programmers and personnel. And Centurion understands banking. You just can't get that from any other disaster recovery service."

By Marsha Cansler