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The bank knew exactly what it was looking for and how to go about it. There was consensus on two critical aspects: the system had to be centralized and had to be based on UNIX, even if that meant spending tonnes of money. MicroBanker, a fully integrated online banking automation system, developed by Citicorp Information Technology Industries Ltd (Citil), a Citibank subsidiary, fit the bill, but Citil was not willing to deal with HDFC Bank. A small outfit, Citil thought, would not be able to afford the system. Citil was expanding operations in Africa and Europe and was not too keen to sell the software to a start-up Indian bank. While Citil reluctantly made a presentation on the system, Citibank intervened before a deal could be signed, saying that selling MicroBanker to HDFC Bank could give the Indian bank more muscle as a competitor. Aditya had to call Rajesh Hukku, Citil head, to play ball and he relented. Citil later became i-Flex Solutions Ltd (now Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd).
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