" In the News "

Michigan Banker May 1992 Vol.4, No. 5

West Shore Computer Services, in Scottville, is a bit like the last of the Mohicans. To the best of our knowledge, it's the sole surviving independent bank processing bureau in Michigan. But that hasn't prevented it from keeping up with the times. In fact, it's knee deep in a very ambitious upgrading of its hardware and software. The conversions includes replacement of West Shore's IBM 4361 computer with an IBM AS 400 Model E 45 computer. Although the new computer is smaller (call it 'down sizing'), its capacity is significantly greater than the machine being replaced. West Shore also is switching to FIserv Complete Banking Service software.

At present, the project is underway in only a preliminary fashion, according to West Shore president Paul Rasmussen. But it is scheduled for completion by October. "It might be of interest to bankers," Rasmussen said, "that we are the first Michigan processing bureau to utilize the 'CBS' software."

West Shore Computer is owned by a consortium of banks. They are: State Savings Bank, Scottville, Lake Osceola State Bank, Baldwin; Kent City State Bank; Farmers State Bank, Breckenridge; and Sparta State Bank. Additionally, West Michigan National Bank, Frankfort, relies on West Shore for data processing service. Soon, Rasmussen said, all of West Shore's customers will be performing their own document handling and report printing.

Cost of West Shore's conversion project is around $500,000.