Nutanix, a prominent leader in hybrid multicloud computing, has entered into a partnership with Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), a financial services provider. This collaboration has enabled USSC to offer essential financial services to the underserved population in the Philippines. These services encompass a diverse range of digital solutions, including mobile app-based services and physical cash cards.
USSC is committed to empowering Filipinos by facilitating both international and domestic money transfers, bill payments, cash cards, e-wallets, insurance, and currency exchanges. As the Philippines’ premier agent for Western Union, USSC handles approximately five percent of all domestic and international money transfers in the country, totaling around US$3 billion annually. To maintain competitiveness and deliver greater value, USSC needed to overcome the constraints of its legacy infrastructure.
Recognizing the necessity for scalability, simplified management, and data control, USSC embarked on a quest for a solution that would foster innovation and reduce operational expenses. Following extensive evaluation and multiple proof of concepts, USSC opted for the Nutanix Cloud Platform. The user-friendly nature of Nutanix’s solution, along with robust local support, bolstered USSC’s confidence in its decision-making process. Subsequently, the company deployed Nutanix clusters and migrated all its business systems to the Nutanix platform. Additionally, USSC employs AOS Storage for high-performance storage, AHV virtualization software, and Prism Pro for streamlined administration.
Thanks to Nutanix’s flexibility, USSC can swiftly respond to new business opportunities. For instance, when the government aimed to distribute financial aid to families affected by the pandemic across the Philippines, many of whom resided far from banks and other payment institutions, USSC leveraged Nutanix to establish cash caravans. These caravans delivered much-needed assistance to communities constrained by COVID restrictions, employing Nutanix to ensure KYC compliance, identity verification, and expedited payment processing. Nutanix has also empowered USSC with enhanced agility and flexibility to drive innovation to new heights. Since adopting Nutanix, the company has continuously improved its mobile app, offering customers services such as e-wallets and remittance transactions. USSC also introduced its inaugural EMV-chip with QR Ph (national quick response code standard) cards in the Philippines, with plans for additional innovative card products in the near future.
Jess Madamba, Head of Information Technology at USSC, remarked, “We are now among the top 10 providers of remittance services in the Philippines, and we are developing new services all the time. No matter what new services we come up with and what additional resources we need from IT, we find that the Nutanix Cloud Platform can handle it. With Nutanix, we can capitalize on the changes that technology is bringing to our industry, making it easier to develop game-changing financial services for our hardworking customers.”
Furthermore, Nutanix has delivered significant cost savings and operational efficiency to USSC. As reported by USSC, the transition to Nutanix has considerably reduced its IT expenditures, with an estimated 60 percent reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) and a 40 percent decrease in maintenance expenses. According to USSC, Nutanix has also contributed to USSC’s sustainability objectives by reducing power consumption by at least 40 percent compared to the previous infrastructure. The enhanced uptime and data replication capabilities of Nutanix have minimized disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted operations and data accessibility for USSC. Looking ahead, USSC is also exploring products like NCM Self-Service (formerly Calm), which aids teams in managing, deploying, and scaling applications across various clouds, including hybrid and multicloud environments.
Han Chon, Managing Director, ASEAN at Nutanix, expressed, “Nutanix’s partnership with USSC is an exemplary case study of how the adoption of the right cloud technology can empower businesses with the flexibility and agility to pursue new business opportunities while reducing costs and environmental impact. Nutanix is delighted to have played a pivotal role in assisting USSC in delivering essential financial services to underbanked communities in the Philippines. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with USSC as they introduce a wide array of digitally-based financial services to Filipinos.”
the collaboration between Nutanix and Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC) stands as a testament to the transformative power of cutting-edge technology in the financial services sector. Through the adoption of the Nutanix Cloud Platform, USSC has not only modernized its infrastructure but has also extended critical financial services to underserved communities in the Philippines, contributing to financial inclusion and empowerment. The remarkable cost savings, operational efficiencies, and newfound agility underscore the tangible benefits of this partnership. As USSC continues to innovate and expand its digital offerings, we can anticipate even greater positive impacts on the lives of Filipinos. This collaboration exemplifies how technology, when harnessed effectively, can drive positive change and create lasting value for businesses and communities alike.
