A Note from Network Services: MPLS Data Line Price Increases

Notice of MPLS Data Line Price Increases

Many credit unions use MPLS lines to connect to CU*Answers for their data processing.  CU*Answers has been notified by Lumen (formerly CenturyLink), the provider of our MPLS data network, that they will be passing along price increases on data lines that they receive from third party last mile carriers.  Price increases are already taking effect, and we believe all circuits delivered via copper lines (i.e. fractional T1s, T1s, and PRIs) will eventually receive price increases.  Some price increases may be significant (triple or quadruple current costs).  You should also expect price increases on your other copper lines not associated with CU*Answers data processing connections, such as your phone and fax lines.

If CU*Answers receives a price increase on your data line from Lumen, that increase will be passed along to you in your monthly CU*Answers data processing invoice.

While CU*Answers actively leverages the power of the network to buy data lines in bulk at low costs, the price of the last mile connection from the Lumen network to your buildings is set by third party telephone companies that can change their pricing with little notice.  These are the increases that are being passed along to you.

Maybe Now is the Time to Switch to a VPN

For over 10 years, CU*Answers has offered a secure and encrypted internet-based VPN-only connection for data processing as a low-cost alternative to MPLS.  Secure VPN connections are available for just $64 per month per connected branch location, and use your existing internet connection to carry the VPN back to CU*Answers.  Order online today to get started with the move from MPLS to VPN and avoid the price increases.

If you have questions, please contact the Help Desk via phone at 616-285-5711 (or toll-free at 800-327-3478) and select option 2, or reach out to the Help Desk by email.

Need Assistance from Network Services? Submit a Request via ConnectWise!

Need Assistance from Network Services?  Submit a Request via ConnectWise!

If your credit union requires assistance from CU*Answers Network Services, please note that Network Services categories are no longer accessible through AnswerBook.  Instead, your credit union should reach out via ConnectWise with any requests directed to the Network Services team. Examples of common requests that can be submitted via ConnectWise include: Equipment troubleshooting/failure (workstations, printers,… Read more »

Jan 31, 2024

Updated Deployment Plan for IBM i Access Upgrades – Complete Yours by 5/1/2024

Updated Deployment Plan for IBM i Access Upgrades – Complete Yours by 5/1/2024

Earlier this winter, CU*Answers Network Services announced a temporary suspension of our deployment plans for IBM iAccess Upgrades.  We have since performed the necessary adjustments to our plans – your credit union can begin downloading the latest version (1.1.9.4) as of today, January 25th. Please note that this update is required for all CU*Answers clients,… Read more »

Jan 25, 2024

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

At CU*Answers, we know how important it is that your Credit Union gets the appropriate help in order to meet your day-to-day data processing needs.  When you don’t know exactly who to contact, we recommend that you get started by reaching out to either the Client Services and Education Team or the Network Services Team…. Read more »

Jan 11, 2024

IBM i Access Client Solution Deployment Suspended – New Deployment Plan Coming Soon

IBM i Access Client Solution Deployment Suspended – New Deployment Plan Coming Soon

Recently, CU*Answers delivered several announcements on required IBM i Access Upgrades for 2024.  Since the start of this communication series, CU*Answers has been working with our credit unions to upgrade IBM i Access Client software on your PCs. Unfortunately, on December 8, 2023, IBM disclosed three vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-45184, CVE-2023-45182, CVE-2023-45185) affecting this software.  As a… Read more »

Dec 13, 2023

Winter is Coming… and So are the Latest IBM iAccess Upgrades!

Winter is Coming… and So are the Latest IBM iAccess Upgrades!

Don’t forget: it’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2!  This update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff… Read more »

Nov 27, 2023

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

Nov 13, 2023

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

Oct 30, 2023

It’s Time for IBM iAccess Upgrades! Complete Yours by 1/31/2024

It’s Time for IBM iAccess Upgrades!  Complete Yours by 1/31/2024

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

Oct 3, 2023