News

CDS customers can convert ATMs from dial to IP with TNS product

November 3, 2003

RESTON, Va. - Columbus Data Services (CDS) has deployed the TransXpress® Secure product offered by Transaction Network Services (TNS), which enables ATM operators to access TNS' private transaction data network via the Internet.

According to a news release, the move is designed to further CDS customers' migration from legacy processing protocols to an IP infrastructure. (See related story IP is growing option for ATMs)

TransXpress® Secure requires an IP connection from client-side devices through the Internet and manages security concerns associated with Internet connectivity by providing a secure path between the client and the secure TNS network through a fully-managed VPN (Virtual Private Network), according to the release.

Using TransXpress® Secure, CDS can enable ATM operators to use their existing network connections provided by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to access TNS' secure data networks, eliminating the need to add another communication path into its organization.

The IP processing infrastructure uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP/IP) to establish a direct virtual connection between ATMs and their hosts. By migrating from leased-line, legacy protocols, (such as 3270 bisync, SNA/SDLC) to TCP/IP, ATM operators will experience the benefits of reduced network communication costs and faster transactions through an always-on, secure connection.

"We recognize that many terminal operators are using the Internet to meet their communications needs and with TransXpress® Secure they can now leverage their existing infrastructure for secure transaction authorizations," said John Willmon, CDS' vice president of business development, in the release. "By switching ATMs from dial-up to IP, we are leveraging advanced protocols for transaction processing and making monitoring less costly and more efficient -- an important issue as we continue to grow our network of ATM machines."

CDS provides processing, driving, monitoring, settlement, reconciliation, cash management, vault cash services and ATM card management programs for ATM operators and financial institutions.