TECHNOLOGY: XP
End of the road for XP
Banks are having to review their operating systems, specifically ATMs, as
Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows XP support, writes Samantha Perry
The removal of support for Windows XP does not mean that the Windows Update will suddenly stop working
A
fter 12 years, Microsoft has taken its Windows XP
operating system out of support. At the end of April,
no more security updates or technical support for
the operating system will be provided. Most of South
.Africa’s large and small banks run Windows XP on
their ATM networks - 95% worldwide in January, according to US
based supplier NCR. The potential effects on the large banks as well
as the smaller banks in South Africa’s banking industry are crippling.
What has the impact been?
Says Aziz Cassim, head of Self-Service Channels at FNB: “FNB’s
ATMs operate on Windows XP. We are aware that Microsoft Windows
XP support ceased in April 2014 and we are currently implementing a
solution. The plan includes the replacement of old devices (that cannot
operate on Windows 7) and upgrading newer devices to Windows 7. All
risk factors have been taken into account, and FNB ATMs continue to
operate with the same level of safety and security.”
“Standard Bank has worked closely with Microsoft and its hardware
suppliers to ensure that there is a seamless transition from XP,”
comments Vuyo Mpako, head of Innovation and Channel Design at
Standard Bank. “Standard Bank and Microsoft have an enterprise
relationship that is not limited to ATMs, but covers all systems that use
Microsoft products.
“Standard Bank has approximately 6 500 ATMs that needed to be
migrated from the Windows XP platform. The first step in the process
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BANKER SA
was to complete the security certification. This was done in March
2014, although the journey to define and develop the new platform
started in 2012. The new system is currently being tested in a controlled
environment to ensure stability, before being exposed to customers.
“The initial changes will not be visible to customers, since these are
operating system and security changes. These will be followed by new
functionalities that will be customer-facing. The new systems will also
offer increased security to customers, as providing a secure environment
for our customers remains a core focus for Standard Bank.”
According to an Absa spokesperson, the bank believes the end of
support for Windows XP does not mean that Windows Update will
suddenly stop working. “It simply means that no new Windows updates
will appear. This means that our ATMs do not have to b H \ܘYY