Billed by NCR as "the biggest change to the way an ATM operates since the self-service banking channel was invented nearly 50 years ago", the Kalpana software runs ATMs remotely, initially through a thin-client ATM including an Android operating system.

This is radically different to the thick-client, PC-based software and hardware of existing ATM technology, which acts as a constraint on the roll out of new products and services and appears increasingly monolithic against more agile mobile and online channels.

Andy Heyman, president, NCR Financial Services, says: “NCR’s Kalpana software is the most disruptive change to the ATM ecosystem in decades. Business and consumer applications are increasingly turning to enterprise or cloud-based solutions that reshape security and enable fast, nimble and dynamic customer experiences."

Kalpana is capable of connecting to existing ATM networks and other consumer-facing channels to allow transactions and services to be shared and re-used elsewhere, he says.

NCR estimates that the software can reduce the cost of running an ATM network by up to 40 percent and help to bring new services to market twice as fast as before.

In concert with the roll out of Kalpana, NCR is simultaneously launching a new thin-client ATM, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen and integrated biometrics and cameras.

The Cx100 machine is to be piloted by US-based ATM owner/operator Cardtronics at locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, beginning later this spring.

David Dove, president, North American Business Group, Cardtronics, comments: “As Cardtronics continues to innovate on behalf of its customers, we’re intrigued by Kalpana’s proposed benefits around product development, security and cost.”