Symitar said it now has more than 100 credit unions processingon hosted versions of its Episys and Cruise platforms through thecore processor's OutLink Data Center operation.

The 750-client San Diego-based division of Jack Henry &Associates of Monett, Mo., said the option's growth is part of anoverall trend to outsourcing from running in-house core processing software. The company said about halfits new business in 2011 was with credit unions selecting hostedsolutions, compared with 32% for the industry overall for that yearaccording to the NCUA.

“We felt that we could better leverage our core investmentby choosing a hosted solution. Our IT staff is relieved fromtraditional computer operations and can now focus more ondeveloping new product offerings and improving service,” said JoAnn Broderick, CEO of Episys user, the $533 million FirstCommonwealth Federal Credit Union in Bethlehem, Pa.

The $16 million Acadian Federal Credit Union in Lafayette, La.,is a Cruise user that migrated to the Symitar data center inFebruary 2012. Its CEO, Sandra Williams, said, “Inefficient timeand resources once dedicated to balancing and administration arenow in the past, saving us hours daily. An instant impact was alsomade on our business continuity planning, giving us peace of mindthat – being in a hurricane-prone area – we have the offsitesupport to ensure system availability.”

Other organizations also offer the Symitar platforms throughservice bureaus, including Member Driven Technologies, Synergent Technology Services and WescomResources Group.