CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Level Four Software Ltd., a supplier of open standards-based ATM software, has signed a global partnership with Polaris Software Lab Ltd. that allows financial institutions to use an end-to-end, outsourced testing solution that combines Level Four's ATM-testing application BRIDGE:test with Polaris' testing services.
According to a news release, customers who deploy BRIDGE:test as part of an outsourcing strategy with Polaris can achieve an optimal balance of cost and control as well as greater overall efficiency. Testing phases are shorter through a greater degree of automation, and tests will be executed by testing professionals with specific ATM sector knowledge that follows a specially developed methodology by Polaris.
Capitalizing on the growing global trend to outsource ATM testing, Polaris has established centers of excellence for ATM testing in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Sydney, Australia; and Toronto. As part of the PACE testing practice within Polaris, the need for specialist domain knowledge to handle complex ATM environments was considered essential.
"In the present market conditions, banks are increasingly looking to outsource to make operational efficiencies," said Ian Kerr, Level Four's chief executive. "ATM testing is a key area in a bank's delivery-channel strategy that can benefit from outsourcing. Under the agreement, Polaris test professionals will be certified to execute ATM testing plans using BRIDGE:test, enabling them to gain an advantage over their competitors by offering the benefits of automation in addition to those of outsourcing."
Polaris has built up significant experience in application development, testing and deployment of ATM solutions for banks across the globe. By partnering with Level Four, Polaris will be able to service its clients with automated testing, which offers faster and more accurate results, combating the challenge of more regular systems updates and software patches that modern, Windows-based ATMs demand.
"We see ATM testing as a huge growth market and a significant opportunity for us," said Bikash Mathur, partner and head of EMEA for Polaris. "Having built up a successful testing global practice in the financial services industry, we recognize the significant advantage that an automated testing tool could offer our customers. A key vision at Polaris is to partner with industry pioneers and we view Level Four as a leading player in the ATM testing market. With BRIDGE:test, Polaris' specialist ATM staff will be able to give existing customers an improved offering and also attract new customers through the unique ability to combine faster deliverables with cost efficiencies."
