DBS takes up Microsoft's public cloud platform to raise staff collaboration

DBS said on Monday that it will adopt cloud-based technology for business tools such as video conferencing and file sharing, under the Microsoft Office 365 suite. This makes it the first Singapore bank to do so.

DBS's head of technology and operations David Gledhill said: "In the last few years, we have made good headway in creating a 'fintech-like' workforce that is focused on making the customer experience simpler and more seamless.

"Inculcating a digital mindset in our people aside, it is also important to give them work tools that break down silos, enhance collaboration, foster greater efficiency and facilitate working on the go."

Microsoft Office 365 runs on a public cloud platform and, according to Microsoft, follows the highest security standards for cloud technology in Singapore and the world. Banks have already been running selective operations using cloud computing, but by storing data in their private clouds.

DBS said that its move would allow the staff to use Skype for meetings, and to collaborate across departments and locations. Microsoft owns Skype and instant messaging tool Yammer, which is used within organisations.

Each staff member will also receive an increment of file storage capacity to one TB per user on Microsoft's OneDrive.

Singapore is DBS's testbed for Microsoft's cloud-based productivity tool, with the bank piloting Microsoft Office 365 among about 1,000 staff today.

The bank is targeting for its entire workforce to make a shift to Microsoft Office 365 over the course of the year, when all 22,000 employees across 18 markets will be equipped with Office 365.