Vertex Business Services announces the availability of CIS Ecosystem Solutions, the company's new customer management solution. CIS Ecosystem is now available for utility companies in North America, and enables utilities to meet the needs of a rapidly changing customer management landscape without the need for a full-scale CIS replacement. Vertex will deliver this solution to clients using its delivery model of choice, whether as a project, managed service or software-as-a-service (SaaS) in the cloud.

Vertex's CIS Ecosystem applications extend both the front office and back office capabilities of legacy CIS systems. All applications are modular by design and adhere to Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles, speeding the time and lowering the costs of integration into a utility company's existing legacy CIS. Vertex CIS Ecosystem applications include:

• Vertex Advanced Rating Suite - Extends back-office capabilities and performs near-real-time calculations needed to support usage thresholds, demand management programs and other non-billing needs. It also enables rates and programs not supported by legacy CIS.

• Vertex Self-Service Suite - Extends front-office systems and provides a convenient way for end-use customers to contact their utility and securely manage their accounts.

The availability of Vertex's CIS Ecosystem is an answer to rapid and unprecedented transformation affecting utility customer management. Smart grid implementation will require a focus on the end-use customer experience, and more complex rating structures and measurement cycles. In addition, utility budgets are under significant pressure as a result of the large investments in infrastructure, smart grid and energy efficiency programs, leaving limited capital dollars for traditional CIS replacement.

Vertex | www.cisecosystem.com