Voca is responsible for the technology behind the UK's automated payments, processing 55 billion transactions in the last 38 years. It is also the largest processor of Direct Debit and Direct Credit transactions in Europe. Voca is working with LINK to supply the central infrastructure for the new Faster Payments service which will be launched in the UK in 2007. In addition Voca has also launched the Voca Payments Switch, a software solution enabling banks to connect to the Faster Payments scheme.

Nick Masterson-Jones, Director of Information Technology for Voca, said: "We selected Distra's technology as a key component of our solutions because its uniquely innovative architecture provides a combination of real-time performance, reliability and agility. Banks are under significant pressure to introduce new services to customers within an ever-changing payments landscape. Distra's technology helps us fulfil their immediate requirements, as well as provide the flexibility to prepare for the future."

Mike Aston, Chief Executive Officer of Distra said: "We are delighted to be working closely with one of the world's leading suppliers of payments services. We recognised the huge potential for next generation payments technology arising out of new initiatives in the UK, such as the Faster Payments scheme, and the massive changes sweeping the European payments landscape under the SEPA initiative. Our relationship with Voca provides a highly effective channel for bringing our innovative payments technology to this exciting market."

In support of the new relationship, Distra has appointed George Ogden as Regional Sales Director for Distra in the EMEA region, based at Distra's sales office in NW London, UK. Prior to joining Distra, George was Market Development Director for S2 Systems and Regional Director EMEA for IFS International.