CU*Answers DHD offers Design Studio video guide

CU*Answers announced its Developer’s Help Desk (DHD) has recently added its newest video guide to the DHD website for building custom software with CU*Answers.

Scott Page, business manager for the Developer’s Help Desk, said the DHD offers a creative new way for clients to design, build and manage custom development software solutions with CU*Answers. An important tool for helping introduce clients to the DHD initiative is a video series helping describe many of the unique services, techniques and strategies rolling out in 2018.

The newest video is targeted to clients looking to partner with the DHD for helping build a Design Studio project and provides a step-by-step guide to assist clients prior to proceeding. The video will help guide a client through the entire process – from conceiving and submitting an initial project idea, to developing a written specification regarding their project, submitting the proper project request/ authorization forms, and getting started.

From there, the video describes DHD processes upon a project request form being received, developing and returning a research and design bid, various timing and cost considerations and much more.

“One of the best features for clients working with the DHD throughout the process is that the client is in complete control of the initial project parameters and is able to partner with CU*Answers only for the level of services they may desire for completing their Design Studio project,” said Page. Any credit union wishing to learn more about the DHD or to review the DHD video library should visit the DHD at their website.

CU*Answers rings in the New Year with DHD

CU*Answers is offering its clients a new solution this year: the Developer’s Help Desk (DHD). This initiative comes in response to clients’ do-it-yourself mentality. Many CU*Answers clients have expressed a wish to play a bigger role in the development of new tools within CU*BASE^®, the data processor’s core-processing software. DHD allows clients to do just that by giving them the opportunity to work directly with CU*Answers software developers to build custom software solutions.

“DHD is a great resource that allows credit unions to work on projects that meet their specific needs and that helps them better serve their ever-evolving membership,” said DHD Account Executive Kristian Daniel. By helping clients own the software solutions in which they invest, DHD is just another way that CU*Answers shows its commitment to the cooperative principles on which the CUSO was founded. “Whether it’s working with a new vendor or a process improvement, DHD is here to help clients reach their fullest potential,” Daniel added.

CU*Answers works with Messick, Lauer & Smith P.C. to develop CUSO formation guide

Cooperative CUSO CU*Answers has worked closely with Messick, Lauer & Smith P.C. to develop a new CUSO formation guide aimed at promoting the value of CUSOs and to help those interested in starting their own.

Scott Page, Developer’s Help Desk business manager for CU*Answers said: “CUSOs help credit unions solve problems and often enable credit unions to act bigger than they are. Collaboration aggregates the resources of credit unions to enable each participating credit union to provide more member services more efficiently and effectively. For example, if a credit union has a highly performing lending program and shares the services with other credit unions through a CUSO, the original credit union can spread its fixed costs over a greater number of loans. The credit unions receiving the service have an effective lending platform for a cost they could not otherwise have afforded.”

The guide includes valuable information for anyone considering forming a CUSO, including an overview of legal rules and regulations, organizational and operating considerations, essential CUSO formation documents needed, and more. The document is being offered to all interested parties for free, and an electronic copy can be ordered from the CU*Answers online store.

DHD offers new Design Studio project video

The CU*Answers Developer’s Help Desk (DHD) announced a new video as part of its on-going POV series designed to provide timely information, tips and techniques for how clients may best utilize the DHD team for custom software development.

CU*Answers said that its DHD Design Studio projects represent a true custom project strategy in which CU*BASE^® clients are encouraged to formulate and design custom project ideas, but may wish to contract for various CU*Answers technical services for helping build-out their desired project vision.

Scott Page, DHD Business Manager said: “This expanding series of web videos is intended to provide simple, quick hitting tools for clients to instantly focus on key topics of interest. For instance, this first video highlights how simple the process is for clients to initially contact, collaborate and submit a custom project idea. In 2018, we will add many more of these video snippets, featuring a library of topics from which to choose.”

The DHD is organized and is targeted to facilitate the processes by which clients order, design, build and manage custom projects in a new, innovative way. Popular projects already being submitted by clients include 3rd party vendor integrations, custom fee development, SSO projects (eliminating multiple verification) and external data warehouse file exchanges. For more information, visit the DHD at their website.