Stadsbank Oost Nederland

Stadsbank Oost Nederland: "Our digital environment cannot afford any downtime"

Stadsbank Oost Nederland is a non-profit bank. On behalf of 21 municipalities, it carries out statutory duties for people both with and without debts. Its roles include acting as an administrator and budget manager, facilitating debt restructuring, and managing the disbursement of social loans.

Thousands of people in Twente and the Achterhoek receive their living allowance through Stadsbank Oost Nederland. To provide this service effectively, a reliable and available digital environment is essential. Stadsbank Oost Nederland must be able to count on its services remaining operational and on support being available whenever needed. A stable and reliable digital environment is of critical importance in this regard.

Systems that must stay up and running

For its digital infrastructure, Stadsbank Oost Nederland uses, among other things, a Private Cloud. The organization was looking for a provider that would take the burden off its shoulders, allowing it to focus on its core processes. After years of collaboration, Fundaments—which provides and manages the cloud—was once again chosen during the 2023 tender process. Information Manager Stefan Sluiman understands why. "Our environment runs so stably that our relationship with Fundaments is quite uneventful. And I mean that in a positive way. We basically never have any issues." And for the Stadsbank, that counts for a lot. "For example, we provide social loans when a refrigerator suddenly breaks down and there is no money for a new one. If our digital environment were to go down on a Friday, that loan would be delayed until after the weekend. We want to prevent such scenarios."

Flexible and secure working in the Private Cloud

The Private Cloud also gives Stefan the flexibility to work from different locations. "Wherever I am, I can log in and do my work anytime, anywhere. And of course, we are happy with the sovereignty of the Fundaments Cloud; it gives us digital autonomy. Our systems are full of sensitive client information. It is reassuring to know that no government can simply access this."

It’s not just about the technology

"Beyond the technical performance, the partnership is also very good," Stefan continues. "The Stadsbank is constantly taking a fresh look at its own working methods: why do we do what we do, and can it be done smarter or better? I have those conversations with my account manager at Fundaments as well. It’s very accessible and transparent. Furthermore, he points out developments that are important to us. When an international change in a licensing structure could have had consequences for the Stadsbank, he raised the alarm. It wasn't clear at that moment exactly what needed to be done, but he set the wheels in motion and went to find out. Even though there was a chance the solution might not lie with Fundaments, but elsewhere."

And if an issue becomes more complex, the distance is small: "Then we just visit each other. That’s the benefit of having a partner nearby."

Private Cloud remains relevant

Stefan doesn't know how technology will evolve in the coming years. He does suspect that the Private Cloud has a future, especially given current social and political developments. "New technologies may emerge, but I expect we will continue to use Fundaments."