First Montana Bank has partnered with Granite Technology Solutions for many years to modernize its communication systems, strengthen network security, and support reliable operations across multiple branch locations. As a financial institution serving communities across western Montana, the bank requires secure, compliant, and highly reliable technology infrastructure supported by professional financial services IT solutions to protect customer data and maintain uninterrupted services.
Through a combination of cloud based communication tools, network upgrades, and co managed IT support, Granite has helped First Montana Bank maintain strong operational performance while meeting strict financial industry security and compliance expectations.
The Challenge
Financial institutions operate under strict regulatory and security requirements, making reliable and compliant technology infrastructure essential. First Montana Bank needed to ensure that each branch location operated independently while maintaining secure connectivity and redundancy across its network. With multiple branches serving several communities, consistent uptime and secure communication systems were critical for daily operations and customer service.
The bank also required advanced disaster recovery and redundancy measures to prevent service disruptions in the event of outages or cyber security threats. Legacy systems and limited failover capabilities created potential risks for downtime and data security. Bank leadership sought a trusted local technology partner capable of delivering secure solutions, proactive monitoring, and rapid response support.
The Solution
Granite implemented a comprehensive technology strategy tailored to financial sector needs. A UNIFI360 hosted phone system was deployed to provide secure and reliable communication across all branch locations. Granite also designed and implemented a co managed network solution that allowed internal IT teams to collaborate with Granite’s experts for monitoring, maintenance, and rapid issue resolution.
A secure SD WAN solution with a local carrier was introduced to improve connectivity and create redundancy between branches. Granite established both primary and backup internet connections, ensuring continuous communication and network access even during outages. Large scale server upgrades and infrastructure improvements were completed to enhance performance, data protection, and system reliability.
Security, Compliance, and Disaster Recovery
To support financial services compliance requirements, Granite implemented secure network configurations, advanced monitoring tools, and reliable backup systems. Each branch was equipped with redundancy and failover capabilities to maintain operations in the event of connectivity issues or hardware failures. Secure cloud communication tools, encrypted connections, and continuous system monitoring help protect sensitive financial data and maintain regulatory compliance.
Granite also provides remote and onsite support across the bank’s locations, ensuring rapid response to technical issues and minimizing downtime. Ongoing maintenance, updates, and proactive monitoring help prevent disruptions and support long term system stability.
Results and Performance
Since implementing these upgrades, First Montana Bank has experienced zero downtime across its hosted phone system and improved reliability across all branches. Redundant connectivity and disaster recovery planning ensure uninterrupted service and secure operations. Granite’s responsive support team delivers quick turnaround times and reliable assistance whenever needed.
With secure infrastructure, enhanced compliance readiness, and dependable communication systems, First Montana Bank continues to provide consistent service to customers while maintaining strong operational resilience.
Client Feedback:
“Anytime I get to work with Granite, I feel like they’re part of the bank and that I’m talking to a coworker rather than a vendor. Granite’s ability to listen to our needs and deliver custom solutions is exactly what we are looking for.”
Johnny Burke, Vice President – IT Manager, First Montana Bank