Wincor Nixdorf lays the foundation for customer-oriented multi-channel management

With its ProClassic/Enterprise, Wincor Nixdorf provides a uniform architecture platform that links the existing host world with traditional and new delivery channels as part of banking’s multi-channel concept. The starting point is an identical architecture for branch and self-service systems in which additional delivery channels can be easily integrated. The intermediate level between banking applications and terminal devices – called a “blue tube” (middleware) – ensures that the individual delivery channels are served as required with only minimal system requirements on the part of the banks. Wincor Nixdorf occupies a key position thanks to its development of ProClassic/Enterprise, which allows banks to slash operating costs and gives them a means of placing products and services on the market much more quickly than before. With ProClassic/Enterprise, Wincor Nixdor contributes its experience in self-service systems and interface definition to the arena of e-banking, a further pillar in sales and marketing activities. The uniform software architecture for all delivery channels is distinguished by operating system independence, high availability and complete openness, since it is primarily based on industry standards. It is future-proof because it supports not only conventional clients, but also Java- and browser-based terminals. It can also keep pace with all technical variants, whether Java/XFS or Active/XFS. The platform is open to all market players to develop and market their own solutions within the established framework. To this end, Wincor Nixdorf will create a component marketplace, in order to coordinate the activities of various suppliers and customers and permit the highest possible transparency. Opening the market is the prerequisite for being able to provide vertical solution packages quickly – from the WAP mobile phone, kiosk systems and consultant workstations, to web TV and the set-top box, with their diverse system platforms and applications – without the need for specific middleware for each of them. Migration to the new world has been designed as a multi-phase plan and is characterized by a gentle transition in order to protect the investments made by banks. Consequently, in the first phase ProClassic/Enterprise will act as a central self-service server for new, Java-based self-service terminals, and in an additional stage, will permit connection of the conventional self-service devices now customary in the field. Administration is focused at a single location to produce cost savings. In addition, the range of services can be widened significantly and extended by means of different types of client. In a second step, there will be information and applications based on Internet technology, and, for the first time, transactions. The third stage of evolution will bridge the gap between today’s still-separated front office and self-service delivery channels and thus enable a solution for the booming segment of attended self-service. In addition, ProClassic Enterprise will be expanded into a complete multi-channel architecture through the integration of additional delivery channels.