TNS Smart Network manages and operates more than 15,000 white-label ATMs, making it the largest fleet of non-bank ATMs in Canada. The license of ACI products will allow TNS to consolidate its position as a premium provider of ATMs outside of the traditional banking environment.

This project will enable NRT to become a direct connector to Interac, Canada's National ATM and POS Network, and is a key strategic element in the company's ongoing plans for expansion and development in its chosen markets. As a direct connector, NRT will no longer be reliant on third parties for connectivity to Interac's Shared Cash Dispensing and Direct Payment services and will see its transaction costs reduced as a result.

In addition, ACI's team of experts will be working with NRT to assist them with certification services to ensure the company's transactions are accepted by Interac. ACI consultants will also ensure that the system is compliant with all the Interac association requirements, and will be working closely with NRT to bring HP NonStop experience into the company to support the system's underlying platform.

John Dominelli, CEO of NRT, says: "TNS Smart Network already has a leadership position in the non-banking ATM markets, but we believe that there are significant opportunities for us to take advantage of NRT's expertise in the gaming industry, and to expand into other cash-intensive business spaces. We were looking for a network gateway service that would enable us to lower our transaction costs, but which also matched the high availability and strong pedigree that our own solutions have in our industry. We have found that in ACI; the majority of direct connectors to Interac trust ACI for good reason. We believe their systems will continue to be the market leader in processing payments dependably and securely in Canada and around the world."

In addition to providing the leading solution for connecting to the Interac network, the ACI system provides a modular approach that allows for the addition of future functionality as required, including connection to VISA, MasterCard and American Express as well as new device acquiring. It is therefore ideally placed to support NRT and its future plans of adding further network connectivity, and expand beyond its native Canada borders.

Rob Cameron, managing director, ACI Worldwide Canada, says: "NRT is an ambitious firm, with solid foundations in the non-bank ATM sector, and has recognised that ACI's systems are the gold standard for banks and non-banks alike. We are delighted that NRT trusts ACI to support it as it begins its relationship with Interac in Canada, and extends its services into new national and international markets."