IT Trends & Technology

According to Juniper Research, 146 billion records are expected to be exposed in data breaches between 2018 and 2023. IBM and the Ponemon Institute estimate the global average cost of a data breach is $3.6 million. In addition to high risk and the costly damages faced by all organizations, financial institutions face stringent regulatory and compliance standards.

Many leaders across the finance industry find themselves needing increased information security but having to fulfill that need within budget constraints. Additionally, cloud computing and digital transformation add layers to the need for a more sophisticated and integrated information security strategy.

For the past 90 days, First National Technology Solutions (FNTS), along with our sister company, First National Bank of Omaha, has engaged in active conversation on how we should deliver a superior customer experience.  This is not an initiative; it is not a process.  Instead it is an enhanced focus on a key responsibility of the First National Operating Philosophy.  All First National employees have been reminded of our commitment to provide our customers with top notch customer service that you in turn would describe as “helpful, easy, and personal”. 

At the recent Gartner Sourcing Summit, I had the opportunity to listen to one of the keynote speakers talking about the five key attributes of successful teams.  While listening to his session and afterwards, it made me think of successful teams I have been a part of, and how we were able to accomplish our goals.  In each instance, I found that all five of these key attributes were absolutely a part of those teams.  It was an enjoyable session and so I thought I would summarize the five key attributes and share them, as I do think they are critical for defining a successful team.  

While attending the Gartner Sourcing Summit a few weeks ago, I was able to participate in a few sessions and talk to several attendees about their BiModal strategy – being able to keep their current systems operational, as they look for new ways to innovate with different technology capabilities.  This can be a real struggle for IT departments having to task employees with responsibilities to keep the existing legacy infrastructure up and operational, while also trying to innovate with new applications, mobile and other capabilities that are a completely different delivery model.

Omaha Public Schools are back in session, NFL pre-season football has started, and pumpkin flavored drinks will soon begin their hostile takeover of Starbucks. All of these are indicators of fall’s arrival, and summer’s end. It’s hard to believe it’s already over, and (for this summer at least) my internship with this great company comes to a close. Though my time here has been relatively short (roughly a month and a half) it has been a wonderful experience, and one I’m truly grateful for.

I have always considered November 11 to be the one true National Holiday. It is always observed on November 11; it doesn’t skip to a Monday just to make it convenient for a three day holiday; it hasn’t become commercialized. It was nationalized for one specific reason, and that reason remains today

What’s your perfect weather for a round of golf?

As we pull out onto the track for the final race, I am beginning to realize one of the main characteristics of a successful sales person:  competitiveness!  We line up just like NASCAR racers heading into the final heat, anxiously awaiting the flag to drop.  This is the third heat and there isn’t as much laughing as before – this time, it’s serious.  The prize?  No, not millions of dollars or trophies, something simpler: pure bragging rights on who within the Sales team earns the fastest track time and wins the race!

After being in the trenches of the network for months on end, deep diving into large scale network builds, and coming up with unique yet solid and supportable solutions, it’s easy to lose track on how fast technology is progressing in the IT industry.