Previously, the CU*Answers network contained a single PROD computer in Kentwood, MI, and a single HA computer in Yankton, SD. We have started efforts this year to expand that power and invest in two PROD computers and two HA computers, by beginning to build our second PROD computer in Las Vegas, Nevada. This new production center is currently operating under the moniker PROD2.
PROD2 resides in our new data center in Las Vegas, run by the vendor Switch. Switch was selected as our vendor as they boast an 11.4M sq feet of data center space, hold 11 industry certifications, and nearly 500 patents. Switch, a Tier IV Certified data center, is also run by 100% renewable power (with no dependence on the grid for uptime).
Why the Investment?
Beyond the need to grow to support our client’s business, we know that growing helps to support our direct business needs as well. Needs such as improved resiliency through upgraded hardware and increasing operational effectiveness across our time zones. PROD2 will act as the new West Coast Processing Center, which will better serve the Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii time zones – especially when it comes to scheduled maintenance by time zone.
Who is Impacted?
While the entire CUSO will inherit the benefits of our additional data center, 18 of our current credit unions (those West of the Rockies) will move their processing to the new PROD2 center beginning in early 2026.
Additionally, we anticipate changes to the Xtend Shared Branching program. The geographic restrictions will limit credit unions to Xtend Shared Branch transactions only with credit unions that are on the same PROD1 or PROD2 servers. We don’t expect a wide impact, as most often members operate under their own geographic limitations for multiple credit union memberships.
Timeline and Milestones
| Completed | IBM Computers onsite |
| In Process | Relocating 28th St backup equipment to Vegas It’s Me 247, CBX, GoAnywhere, integrations, Lenderweb, native receipts, data backup network, and more |
| Q3 2025 | Test CU libraries moved to PROD2
3rd party vendor certification work begins |
| Q4 2025 | 3rd party vendor certification work continues |
| January 19 – 20, 2026 | First CU goes live on PROD2 |
| Q2 2026 | Remainder of CUs go live on PROD2 |
| Q3 2026 | Install new PROD1/HA1 IBM computers
Relocation of HA1 computer to Las Vegas |
3rd Party Vendor Certifications
As we are moving processing for the 18 Western credit unions, this means that the EFT processing must also move; this move requires various certification processes with each vendor. The day that your vendor processing is moved, meaning moving files and connections from PROD1 to PROD2, be prepared for EFT downtime for up to 24 hours. During this time, EFT transactions will use the CU*Answers limits. We will communicate more when we have expectations for exact move dates following successful certifications.
