Schlumberger Network Solutions and Emirates Bank International Launch New Secure Connectivity Center

Business Wire, Oct 31, 2001

Business/Energy Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2001

Companies Develop Middle East's Largest and Strongest

Virtual Private Network for an Application Service Provider

Schlumberger Network Solutions and Emirates Bank International (EBI) announced today the successful development and launch of a new Secure Connectivity Center (SCC). The system, which enables the EBI banking Application Service Provider (ASP) platform, allows for greater security, speed and remote connectivity to securely connect partners, vendors, service providers and clients into one center for e-business.

The new center offers increased levels of applied speed and security by way of intrusion detection and an auto decision-making mechanism. Through the SCC, all Internet services will be available on a gigabit network, radically upgrading the speed for end users and back-office processing. In addition, the SCC enhances uptime, as the new system provides a dual-homed system with load balancing and fail-over functionalities, and offers secure remote connectivity to allow individuals access across the globe, no matter how remote their location.

"EBI has a history of offering cutting-edge corporate and retail services and products through investments in technology," said Abdulla Qassem, Chief Manager, Information Technology, Emirates Bank Group. "This architecture enables secure connectivity between multiple customers and multiple platforms over a single connection with flexible, centralized management and control. It replaces individual security solutions with an integrated, network-wide implementation. The SCC that Schlumberger Network Solutions has built provides best-of-breed VPN capabilities to EBI clients and employees."

"As a leading financial institution, EBI was seeking a different approach to its security and connectivity requirements," said Xavier Flinois, president, Schlumberger Network Solutions. "For more than a year, Schlumberger Network Solutions developers and consultants worked with EBI to redefine the secure connectivity requirements to complement the bank's existing infrastructure and its Internet banking application and payment clearance gateway. The platform is a major initiative in excellence, as it enables EBI to be a banking portal and banking application service provider."

About Schlumberger Network Solutions

Schlumberger Network Solutions combines specialized technologies, domain experience and global infrastructure to enable the digital enterprise through its DeXa Suite of Services. Supported by industry-certified technical consulting capabilities, Schlumberger Network Solutions provides secure global IP infrastructure, integrated information security solutions, wireless and remote network connectivity and complete network managed services. Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) is a global leader in technical services with 2000 revenue of $9.61 billion. Additional information is available from Realtime http://www.slb.com, and more information on Schlumberger Network Solutions can be found at http://www.slb.com/sns.

About Emirates Bank Group

Emirates Bank Group's vision is to be the leader in the financial services market in the region. Emirates Bank aims at being the preferred lead banker for its customers, the most innovative and technology led bank at the forefront of industry involvement and a catalyst for change in industry standards and active participant in community affairs and events. The Emirates Bank Group comprises Emirates Bank International, Middle East Bank, Network International, Diners Club, Union Properties, National General Insurance, Emirates Financial Services & Emirates Loyalty Company.