Internet banking was the easiest technology project we've ever done. One day Digital Insight installed a Frame Relay line, and the next day we were in pilot testing. After two months of pilot testing and fine tuning, Orange County rolled out its Internet banking site to members in April 1997. Today, members at Orange County FCU routinely use Digital Insight's Internet banking service to access accounts, apply for 10 different types of loans, consult 15 different financial calculators on topics ranging from college education to retirement, and even register changes of address. The institution currently receives more than 100 online loan applications each month, and Busse estimates that approximately two thirds of these applications are being approved.
Online access plays a major role in Orange County's membership service strategy.
Orange County FCU currently serves about 50,000 members and more than 525 employer groups, and membership has increased by about 7,000 members since the institution first began offering Internet banking. So we need to find new avenues for member convenience. Internet banking has given us an important new way to broaden access to our members. Busse reports enthusiastic member response to Internet banking and high satisfaction with Digital Insight services, especially the highly reliable uptime. But she repeatedly emphasizes the ease and speed with which Digital Insight and Orange County FCU implemented their Internet banking project.