SWIFT is launching two labels under its shared infrastructure programme. The first labels will be issued in 2009 but if you are a registered shared infrastructure provider, you can already apply today.
The purpose of labelling shared infrastructure providers is to encourage and recognize providers that meet higher standards of resiliency and security to make it easier for users to identify the best providers and have confidence that they meet very strict quality levels.
| Minimum operational obligations for registration as a shared infrastructure provider | Operational Assurance label requirements | SWIFTReady Best Practice requirements |
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Availability |
Measurable operational SLAs Compliance with SWIFT Services availability requirements Single fully resilient site |
+ |
Tested business continuity plans Operational monitoring, fallback switching procedures Business hours customer support |
+ |
Non redundant disaster recovery site Customer support for served time zones Full SWIFTNet enablement |
Security and Access Control |
Logical and physical access controls | Segregation of duties and 4-eyes Traffic encryption |
Auditable processes | ||
Telecoms |
Compliance with SWIFTNet Network Access Control Guide | Dual-I with primary leased line Process average day volumes in 4 hours |
Dual-P for prime site, single-P for disaster recovery Primary site to process peak day volumes in 2 hours Disaster site to process average day in 4 hours |
||
Integrity and Change Management |
Reports and alerts reporting Standards releases within 3 months of changeover |
Documented operational procedures Infrastructure and services upgrades schedules |
SWIFT certified service provider |
Full details on the requirements are available here.
The operational assurance label is a self-certification label available to all providers that certify that they meet the minimum standards. Prior to awarding this label, SWIFT will undertake certain background checks on compliance with key operational requirements but will not undertake any checks on-site.
To be awarded the best practice label, providers must demonstrate that they meet the operational requirements by undergoing a detailed on-site inspection of their SWIFT infrastructure and premises by qualified SWIFT personnel. SWIFT charges a fee of €10000 to cover the cost of the inspection.
Labels are issued for a calendar year and can be renewed. Only shared infrastructure providers that host SWIFT connectivity infrastructure are eligible.
If you are interested in providing shared infrastructure services, and would like to apply, please register here
For more information and a directory of shared infrastructure providers click on service bureau or on member-concentrators.