NCR brings ATM banking to the cloud with Kalpana

• Describes cloud-based software platform as ‘massive makeover to banking’
• Reduce TCO by up to 40%; also rolls out new tablet-based ATM

NCR Corp has launched Kalpana, an enterprise software platform that moves ATM (automated teller machine) software and operations to the cloud.
 
Describing it as the biggest change to the way an ATM operates since the self-service banking channel was invented nearly 50 years ago, NCR said Kalpana software runs ATMs remotely, initially through a thin-client ATM including an Android operating system.
 
The software is designed to eliminate malware and enable rapid deployment of new devices and ATM services, and to reduce costs by up to 40%, the Duluth, Georgia-based company said in a statement.
 
“This new cloud based software platform is a great response to the ATM security challenges faced by banks today, and helps to greatly improve and accelerate the process of bringing new ATM services to market,” said NCR Malaysia country manager Danny Fong (pic above).
 
“Apart from the operational cost savings and efficiencies, the Kalpana platform will greatly reduce the expenditure associated with power management, security updates, paper receipts and deployment of new ATMs,” he claimed.
 
NCR said Kalpana software seamlessly blends into existing banking and IT infrastructure, connecting to existing ATM networks and other consumer-facing channels to allow transactions and services to be shared and re-used elsewhere.
 
This allows financial institutions and independent ATM deployers to run a combination of conventional ATMs and thin client ATMs, the company added.
 
“NCR’s Kalpana software is the most disruptive change to the ATM ecosystem in decades,” said Matthew Heap, director for Marketing and Solutions Management, NCR Financial Services, Asia Pacific.
 
“Business and consumer applications are increasingly turning to enterprise or cloud-based solutions that reshape security and enable fast, nimble and dynamic customer experiences.
 
“Kalpana software is ideal for financial institutions and independent ATM deployers looking to improve security, quickly advance service delivery through technology, and reshape their cost to serve,” he declared.
 
Traditionally, ATMs have run on thick-client, PC-based software and hardware technologies physically found in the ATM. When compared to other consumer channels, such as online and mobile, this legacy PC architecture is more inefficient, expensive and complex, NCR said.
 
These challenges have become heightened following recent industry issues related to security and compliance.
 
Kalpana software is more secure than traditional ATM software because all software updates are originated and controlled at the server level, NCR said.
 
Kalpana software greatly improves agility, helping bring new ATM services to market twice as fast as before, while also significantly decreasing the cost of:

• Deploying new ATMs;

• Security updates;

• Power management;

• Paper receipts and other consumables;

• Remote management via cloud-based data flow; and

• Support for dispute resolution

New tablet-based ATM
 
The Kalpana software is part of an enterprise platform that can deliver transactions and services to traditional ATMs with Windows operating systems, as well as new thin-client ATMs. These ATMs can be either NCR or non-NCR branded.
 
In order to maximise the value of the software, NCR said it is simultaneously launching a new thin-client hardware solution, the NCR Cx110 ATM (pic).
 
The ATM looks dramatically different than a traditional ATM, with a sleek, curved interface on a thin bezel. Its 10-inch touchscreen replaces the traditional pinpad, and integrated biometrics and cameras provide ATM operators and consumers with the latest in security and user experiences, NCR said.
 
The Cx110 ATM uses tablet technology in combination with cloud technology to move control and security of ATM transactions to the deployer’s enterprise infrastructure.
 
The NCR Cx110 ATM includes minimal client software to run the ATM. The vast majority of the bank or ATM operator’s software stack is located on enterprise servers.
 
This new approach will reduce the cost of operating ATMs, by allowing software maintenance and upgrades to be controlled in a centralised location and providing secure automatic updates, avoiding costly visits to each ATM, the company said.
 
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