Five Questions With: Ian MacDonald

"OUR CUSTOMERS who like to conduct their banking online now have an even better experience with us," said Bank Rhode Island Vice President Ian MacDonald. /

Bank Rhode Island has a new look, at least online it does. The Providence-based bank has launched a revamped site that bank executives say is streamlined and easier to navigate. Ian MacDonald, senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications, answered a few questions about the changes and the process.

PBN: Why launch a new Web site now?
MACDONALD:
The Internet has an important role to play in communicating with our customers and attracting new customers. Some people simply prefer to interact with banks online, as opposed to calling a customer service center or walking into a branch. Our customers who like to conduct their banking online now have an even better experience with us. Also, for many prospective customers, our Web site serves as their introduction to BankRI. It’s important that that the site represents the bank well and that it provides useful information about our products and services.

PBN: What are the new features?
MACDONALD:
We have completely redesigned the look and feel of the site. The interface is cleaner and it is much easier to get around and find what you need. The most frequently accessed content is linked right from the main page. We utilize Web technologies like Flash, JavaScript and AJAX. As for removing things, we “skinnied” down the number of pages. The old site had some bloat to it and the new site is much more streamlined.

PBN: Who did the design work?
MACDONALD:
The design work was done by Embolden. They are a small company in Pawtucket and they have been a great partner and collaborator in putting the site together. The planning started in early 2009 and we wrapped up testing just before year end.

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PBN: What security considerations were there in launching a new site?
MACDONALD:
We take information security very seriously and one of the strengths of our old site was the level of security for our customers. We utilize the same security precautions on the new site – the site uses secure http and all of the login areas (online banking, online cash management, Express Deposit, etc.) use secure authentication and have been thoroughly tested. Where appropriate, we also make use of speed bumps, which are notifications that you are leaving the BankRI site to view third-party content.

PBN: How does the new Web site fit in with the overall marketing of BankRI?
MACDONALD:
I think we have a great opportunity to make use of the Internet to promote our bank and having a strong Web site is really the first step. Going forward, we need to continue to leverage our Web presence to drive new business. I expect that more and more of our time and energy is going to be focused on the Web site and the Internet in general.

Bank Rhode Island, based in Providence, is a state-chartered, FDIC-insured institution with 16 branches in Providence, Kent and Washington counties. It is owned by Bancorp Rhode Island Inc. (Nasdaq: BARI). Additional information about BankRI and its parent company is available at BankRI.com.

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