KAL: Empowering Banks to Manage ATM Networks with World-Leading Software

KAL is a world-leading ATM software company specializing in solutions for ATMs and other types of self-service machines. The company's multivendor Kalignite Software Suite enables ATM hardware, software, and services sourced from multiple vendors to work together perfectly so that banks regain control of their ATM networks, thereby reducing costs, increasing functionality and improving customer service. 

KAL ATM Software is the preferred ATM software and management solution for many global banks including Citibank, UniCredit, HSBC and ING. The software is installed on over 300,000 ATMs from over 40 manufacturers in more than 80 countries.  

 A Well-Renowned Technology Leader 

Aravinda Korala is the CEO of KAL and a recognized figure in global banking and the IT industry. He was inspired to set up KAL after he graduated with a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence from the University of Edinburgh. 

Aravinda is a highly-respected industry thought leader and the recipient of numerous awards. He has been inducted into the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) Hall of Fame in recognition of his role in advancing the industry through thought leadership, positive approach, and constructive impact.  

Understanding Customer Needs with an International Workforce 

Established in 1989, the company boasts a global presence with approximately 200 employees across 20 countries. KAL has six engineering locations globally, providing round-the-clock support to customers. The company's multinational workforce enables KAL to understand local customer needs while also considering global challenges, trends, and emerging technologies. 

Driving Innovation through World Firsts 

KAL's engineering team is focused on creating and delivering the world's best ATM software. According to the company, its customer projects have produced many significant and innovative world firsts, including creating the first componentized software platform for the global banking XFS standard. Other innovations include releasing the first multivendor cash recycling ATM application and deploying the first use of biometric security technology at ATMs. KAL's most recent solution, the Kalignite Hypervisor, developed in partnership with Red Hat, solves the long-standing problem of enforced ATM hardware upgrades when Windows support ends for older models. 

Leveraging Cloud Solutions to Deliver Low-Cost Services 

The company's ATM software can be deployed in the cloud, enabling financial institutions to deliver ATM transactions in a compact footprint that is less expensive than traditional ATMs. KAL's cloud technology supports standard POS devices connected to standalone cash dispensing and deposit devices and services to provide cash withdrawal instead of ATMs. Banks can therefore choose to deliver ATM banking services on a device that meets their business requirements.  

Helping Banks Achieve an Omni-Channel Network 

The company's focus on multivendor ATM software enables banks to leverage their significant investment in internet and mobile banking solutions across their ATM network. As a result, the ATM becomes an integrated delivery channel for banks. KAL software allows the bank's ATM to use contactless cards and mobile phones in pre-stage transactions and secures facial recognition and other technologies in a trusted manner. By deploying the company's software, banks can create new solutions and maximize ATM availability with automated fault recovery actions, lowering the operating costs. KAL software also provides banks with full visibility of the operational status of each ATM in the network, including the real-time cash position. 

Accolades of Recognition 

KAL has been a core member of the global XFS standards body for 20 years. The company is a Microsoft Partner with Gold and Silver Application Development competencies. KAL's solutions have been certified by Visa and MasterCard for numerous customers and are integrated with Windows 7 and 10. The company is recognized for its PCI expertise and is PA-DSS certified. 

KAL has won the UK's most prestigious prize for business performance, The Queen's Award for Enterprise. This award recognizes UK companies that have demonstrated substantial growth in overseas earnings, commercial success and outstanding achievement in international trade.  

KAL enabled Citibank to achieve their vision of a single software solution for their global ATM network. According to KAL, Citibank's network is monumental and complex with 29 languages and dialects, and regulations and security requirements from over 20 countries. The bank therefore required local autonomy and control over the software without breaking the global system. KAL delivered similar technology to Unicredit in Italy, which faced complexity like Citibank, having operations in many countries and a vast ATM network.  

Delivering the Highest Levels of ATM Security 

Aravinda notes that the global banking industry continuously faces all types of security threats – including attacks on ATM networks. KAL has always been at the forefront of providing the highest level of software security to its clients.  

"It is an ongoing challenge to stay ahead of the hackers and the arsenal of attacks they use to try to penetrate ATM networks," the company says.  

KAL devotes a lot of time and energy to helping clients protect their networks and educating the industry on the "best security practices." In fact, KAL recently published an in-depth whitepaper entitled “TPMs are the root of all security. No TPM = no security” on the role of the TPM chip in enhancing the ATMs security. The whitepaper is available on KAL’s website at https://www.kal.com/en/tpm-whitepaper.  

Looking to the Future  

The company recognises that significant changes are on the way for the banking industry, but it believes that ATMs will remain at the centre stage as a trusted delivery channel for bank customers. The company achknowledges that cash usage is slowly reducing in some countries.  Hence, banks are replacing traditional cash dispensing ATMs with advanced multi-functional ATMs that offer expanded transactions, assisted self-service and other new engaging technologies. KAL is ready to respond to the changing needs of the financial industry.