Caixanova, a Spain-based savings bank, IBM and its affiliate INSA have signed an agreement to promote technology innovation in Spain. As part of the agreement, INSA will create a Technology Innovation Centre (CENIT) in Orense. It aims to help retain technology talent in this Spanish region and attract new talent, while providing a centre of excellence for banking sector technology.
The centre, due to open later this year, will initially focus on the development and management of applications for Caixanova, such as core banking, Internet banking and branch network applications. The Orense Centre will collaborate with two other centres in Spain, as well as IBM’s international network of innovation centres.
IBM said that in future, the centre is also expected to develop various technology projects for other Spanish and international financial institutions and other companies. It would focus on improving productivity through the design, development and maintenance of applications on diverse technology platforms.
Julio Fernandez Gayoso, chairman of Caixanova, said: “This agreement will have a very positive social economic impact in Galicia, as it involves the generation of employment and wealth in the area. It will also provide a major boost for the Information Technology industry, offering new IT services for businesses in the region.”
