Uno-e, the Spanish-based Internet bank that last year agreed to merge with Dublin-based technology firm First-e, has reported a total customer base of more than 80,000.

This is a rise of 54 per cent since the end of 2000. A spokesman for Uno-e said the firm had 60 billion pesetas (€361 million) under management and would break even by 2003.

An agreement to merge with First-e Internet bank agreed last year is still awaiting regulatory approval, according to the spokesman.

Joint venture for integrated solution

EWare, a provider of customer relationship management software, has announced a partnership with Nasdaq-quoted firm eGain Communications Corporation, a provider of customer interaction management software.

The partnership offers an integrated solution that enables call centre agents to serve customers coming through phone, e-mail or Web chat channels efficiently.

One of the largest financial service companies in Europe has already started to implement the blended solution as a strategic part of its customer service strategy, said eWare.