Two super fast computer data switches with 520 times the speed of many of the fastest systems currently on the Island will soon become the backbone of the Bank of Butterfield's computer system.

"The Alcatel system runs at 52 gigabits per second,'' said Dwyer Williams, head of computer company Certified Systems who will be installing the new machinery.

Bermuda's fastest computer Mr. Williams explained that the new system operated on speeds calibrated in gigabits per second while at present most systems on the Island use 100 megabit fast ethernet.

" A gigabit is 10 times as fast as the 100 megabit fast ethernet,'' said Mr.

Williams, "and this system has a 52 gigabit capacity.'' The faster speeds could translate into shorter waits at the teller counter, according to Mr. Williams, as communications to teller machines will be running about seven times faster than they do at present.

"The Bank will also be able to deliver new services after the switch over because the new system supports video and voice in addition to carrying data,'' he added.

"The Bank would be able to set up a screen in their lobby which could run videos of its services and there would also be an ability to use a telephone on the same line with this system,'' said Mr. Williams.

The system is fully redundant with up to three power supplies and two management modules.

Suitable only for large companies Mr. Williams said he felt the Island's banks were the most likely businesses to benefit from the super fast data switch.

According to Mr. Williams the Bank of Butterfield's present computer system was configured in what is called a "token ring''.

"We are moving them away from that and giving them a new ethernet migration path which is less expensive, faster and what most successful businesses are using in the developed world today,'' he said.

"It is the current networking standard.''