ATM Software

ATM Software Trends For 2011

ATM software trends in 2011 may include improved security measures, a vital role in branch transformation and context aware ATM apps for smartphones.

For people across the world, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are a fixed part of the banking experience and a key way in which bank customers can extract money from their account to pay for everyday goods and services. Mobile top-ups, deposits, money transfer services and much more are now available from today's machines and, as ATM software improves, so too will the user experience offered by ATMs. So what does 2011 have in store for ATM technology?

ATM security and branch transformation

Since the ATM first appeared as a widely used banking machine, its security has been a concern for both customers and banks as well.

One ATM security solution that could gain traction in 2011 is finger vein authentication technology, now widely used in Japanese banks but still under-explored elsewhere. As the benefits of finger vein authentication technology become more apparent to banks outside Japan, it's likely that global ATM software developers will investigate this security option further in 2011.

According to ATM industry news channel ATM Marketplace, today's banks are realising that comprehensive branch facilities are a key part of a customer's banking experience and that branches cannot be fazed out by developments in online and mobile technology. ATM apps and context aware tools

Context aware banking apps have also been on the rise. These pinpoint the location of smartphone users and give them directions to their nearest bank branch or ATM. As smartphone technology develops over the coming year, the accuracy and capabilities of these context aware ATM apps are also likely to improve.

The first major technological advance within the financial sector is the rise and rise of internet banking. Internet banking first stemmed from an invention in the late 80s called videotex where people could send tones down a phone line and administrate their bank account. Homelink allowed customers to view their bank accounts via a BBC Micro computer as well as make transfers and pay bills. Recently PINs and TANs have become popular for protecting people's online accounts and details. Technological advances aren't purely resigned to the world of online. Like online banking, ATM machines are also under fire from criminals so need to strike a fine balance between a user friendly yet secure interface. Recent ATM software developments have seen a move towards 'universal' ATM machines that allow people of all languages to use the same kiosk while banks can link to and monitor these at all times.