KAL CEO Aravinda Korala joined the Bank Customer Experience Podcast to discuss why ATM host modernization is vital – and why it doesn’t need to involve a disruptive “big bang” project. His conversation with ATM Marketplace Editor Bradley Cooper explored the strategic importance of ATM host systems, the limitations of outdated infrastructure, the move towards “zero legacy” environments and controlled, phased modernization. Watch the full video below:
Why is host-level ATM modernization important?
ATM host systems are largely invisible to customers and operate behind the scenes, yet they underpin many of the transactions, services and capabilities delivered across the network.
As demand for innovative ATM services grows, limitations at host level can present significant roadblocks for efficiency and innovation. Aravinda notes that this is particularly the case for ATM networks dependent on host systems that are inflexible or legacy by today’s standards.
One of the big tell-tale signs that a host is well past its ‘use-by date’ is that you can’t do new things with it. It is just hanging in there. Working but unable to change. Working but if something significant were to go wrong, maybe it would be disastrous. Often banks are taking quite a big risk here.
Does modernizing your ATM host system always need to be a "big bang” project?
Big bang projects are massive, disruptive and understandably intimidating. While this used to describe the typical ATM host modernization process, banks now have more pragmatic and controlled approaches at their disposal. Reflecting on the alternative way forward, Aravinda explains:
With our technology, it is possible to support one ATM, then two, then five, then ten, and switch the existing ATMs from the old host to the new host one at a time. But not only can we do that migration in a carefully organized, step-by-step way. It is also true with our software. We can do the same thing as we do with new versions of our software. In other words, it's never a big bang with our KTH product.
Key podcast discussion points
In this podcast interview, Aravinda shared business and technical expertise on many aspects of the ATM host modernization topic, including:
- The strategic importance of ATM host systems
- Tell-tale signs of host-related barriers to ATM performance and innovation
- A more controlled and phased approach to ATM host migration
- Factors that set modern ATM host systems apart from legacy hosts
- The "zero legacy" concept and achieving a truly modern ATM environment
- KAL’s KTH host system
- Next-generation ATM capabilities at Ueno Bank, Paraguay
Learn more about KTH
Kalignite Terminal Host (KTH) is KAL’s resilient, future-ready ATM host system. KTH is in production around the world on all types of bank networks providing a scalable foundation for evolving ATM services while enabling banks to reduce migration risk and overcome legacy limitations.
Visit our KTH page to find out more.