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Since its modest beginning in 1993, GB computerization programme has come a long way. At the end of 2003, 1,069 branches had been computerized. To increase the operational efficiency of any financial institution, it is important to minimise paper work at all levels particularly at branch level. Given the limitations of power supply, it is still not possible to derive maximum benefit from the computerization of Grameen management information system, especially in the rural areas.
During the year 2003, we set up another 15 Information Management Centres at the area level utilising the existing 239 computers which were earlier installed in the branches. In addition, 167 new computers were also added in last five years. At the Information Management Centres, three branches are served by one computer. All branches within an area receive services from the centre. Each centre provides all types of loan monitoring and accounting services on a regular basis. Therefore, it has been possible to both reduce costs and the increase efficiency of the computerization programme.
When the Information Management Centres attain their full capacity to serve 3 branches with one computer, it would be possible to serve all the branches at the end of 2004.
Information regarding the progress of the computerization programme for the end of 2003 through the area level Information Management Centres is furnished below :

During the year, 13 out of 18 zonal offices were brought under Internet network. As a result data transfer has become both easy and less expensive. Grameen Communications, an independent company provides necessary technical assistance for supporting the computerization programme of Grameen Bank.