While MasterCard's network served it well, in the 1990's new demands on the infrastructure led MasterCard to consider other networking alternatives. An effort of this magnitude would have placed tremendous demands on MasterCard's workforce. The challenge to make changes to Banknet led MasterCard to consider the use of outside support. This IP network would not only address many of the symptoms plaguing Banknet but would provide MasterCard with several additional benefits. The VPN has the advantage of 'bandwidth on demand'.
Capacity can expand or contract with volume.
Changes are less expensive and MasterCard can respond more quickly to customer needs. Support multiple types of data - An underlying IP infrastructure would support the transport of any type of transactions, data, or content. As such, IP networks are extremely resilient in character and are well- suited to mission critical applications. Support open standards - IP connectivity would provide an open solution without ties to proprietary hardware or technologies. Over the last three years MasterCard has seen its VPN network grow from a simple replacement of the older X.25 transaction infrastructure to a flexible new data network.