News

Level Four updates software with XFS extension

April 21, 2004

LONDON - Level Four Software, a provider of ATM test and development software, has released an XFS extension to its core product, ATM Channel Development Suite, in response to industry adoption of open standards ATM architectures.

According to a news release, the enhanced desktop ATM testing and management toolset is designed to accommodate the introduction of the XFS interface standard and the anticipated move to the IFX messaging standard. The XFS extension supports in-house developed applications and proprietary messaging protocols, and continues to support existing protocols still prevalent in the marketplace.

Level Four's XFS extension to the ATM Channel Development Suite enables ATM testing with any XFS-based run-time software application, whether it is packaged or developed in-house, regardless of the hardware it runs on.

Complete end-to-end testing is initiated from the desktop through the XFS application program interface to test the live software, using simulated hardware and peripherals.

Martin Macmillan, Level Four's chief executive, said, "XFS introduces a competitive element that is causing fundamental change in the ATM marketplace. Leading ATM manufacturers have for the first time become exposed to competition from each other and from independent specialist software companies. This creates a win-win situation for banks as vendors strive to offer the highest quality, most cost effective solutions."

The XFS extension also accommodates IFX Version 1.52, the emerging messaging protocol for communication with host systems which was released in February.

Level Four is an active member of the IFX Forum, a non-profit standards-developing organisation promoting the benefits of the use of one common messaging language for internal and external communication for financial institutions.