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The Management Information Systems (MIS) Unit has two key areas of responsibility. Firstly, it defines, implements and manages the information systems required by FINSAC. Secondly, it assumes the final responsibility for ensuring that all information systems in the FINSAC intervened companies are functional and Y2K compliant.

FINSAC
FINSAC’s network infrastructure is approximately 80% Y2K compliant. Full compliance is expected by August 1999. One of the major projects undertaken in fiscal year 1998/99 was the implementation of a seamless integrated network connecting the three locations: the Non Performing Loans Unit at the Mutual Life Building, Financial Institutions Services at Trinidad Terrace and FINSAC on Knutsford Boulevard. 

The first phase of this programme established wireless links between the Knutsford Boulevard and Trinidad Terrace offices. The second phase will establish links to the Mutual Life offices, completing the Wide Area Network (WAN). This is expected to be completed by August 1999. All sites will be on the Windows NT operating system and will be standardised on the Microsoft Office Suite of applications. Given the highly confidential nature of information generated by FINSAC, the network has been configured to maintain a high level of data integrity. An internet firewall restricts the movement of information between the network and external information sources such as the Internet. Anti-virus updates are conducted regularly to limit the existence of viruses on the network. Comprehensive network documentation and disaster recovery plans are under construction and will be shared with all users. 

User training and support has been a key element of the network implementation. Training is provided on a needs assessment basis. An on-line centralised Help Desk has been established. Other activities of the unit involve administering and troubleshooting critical applications, such as the Non-Performing Loans Unit’s Loan Tracking System, Financial Institutions Services’ Asset Management Database, and the General Ledger software package used by the Finance and Administration department.

UNION BANK
The core banking systems of the four institutions amalgamated into Union Bank are being converted to a single core banking solution, FINWARE, which is certified as Y2K compliant. FINSAC and the Bank of Jamaica are closely monitoring the Y2K compliance of Union Bank. Island Victoria Bank and Eagle are fully converted to FINWARE. Workers Bank is scheduled to complete in August 1999, and Citizens is scheduled for September 1999. Awareness and training programs are being conducted on an ongoing basis. Upon completion of the conversions, the core banking system will be certified to be fully Y2K compliant. It is also to be noted that an exhaustive and achievable Y2K Contingency Plan is currently being developed. Additionally, external consultants have been contracted to conduct a comprehensive audit of Union Bank’s system conversion project, including the merger of bank operations, the installation/conversion of FINWARE and other issues. Completion is expected by the end of July 1999.

INSURANCE COMPANIES
The MIS Unit has been monitoring the Y2K status of Life of Jamaica, Mutual Life, Island Life, Crown Eagle Life and Dyoll Life. Audits of Mutual, Crown and Dyoll are to be completed by August 1999. Findings, risk assessments and recommendations will be made and documented for decision making. The plans of Island Life and Life of Jamaica for Y2K compliance continue to be monitored. Both companies appear to be well on track for a timely completion of their programmes.

NON-CORE ENTITIES
Assessment of the Y2K compliance for the non-financial business under FINSAC control is to be completed in August 1999. Comprehensive tests of hardware and software will be conducted at all sites. Findings, risk assessments and recommendations will be made and documented for decision making.