Countless emails are going around the industry, with many professionals at financial institutions voicing concerns about rumored changes to NCR’s equipment fleet. Bank and credit union leaders are worried about NCR hardware and software end-of-life dates and what they mean for business. This article will cover what “end-of-life” means, which NCR products are affected, and why this news isn’t as threatening as it may seem. Read on for a complete run-down on what is happening, what isn’t happening, and what to do if your branch needs assistance preparing for the future!
What Does “End-of-Life” Mean?
When NCR says that a hardware or software product is approaching end-of-life, what they mean is that they will no longer provide updates and support for those products. End-of-life DOES NOT mean that your equipment is obsolete, dysfunctional, out-of-order, or needing immediate replacement. The term end-of-life is intended to create a sense of urgency and reveal that NCR’s plans for a product are nearing completion, BUT it doesn’t mean banks and credit unions have to spend thousands of dollars on new equipment right away. Branches will continue using the same machines in many cases, and if changes are required eventually, gradually updating will be the best way forward for most financial institutions. End-of-life is a semi-technical phrase, but in practical terms, 2023 and 2024 are probably not the end-all for your equipment as long as its condition is fine.
Why Do Manufacturers Stop Supporting ATMs?
Sometimes hardware and software manufacturers want to emphasize and direct their resources toward new products. As time passes, new methods of production, new ways of doing business, and new possibilities necessitate hardware and software changes. Programmers and designers discover ways to use or improve technology almost daily, so software and hardware evolve constantly. There are always new technological advances that present opportunities to upgrade and modernize. Growth, change, and the evolution of technology are inevitable, and you have probably experienced this kind of change before!
Technological Evolution is a Good Thing!
If you have any experience with electronic devices, you know that tech changes rapidly, and the rate at which technology evolves has accelerated over the past decade. Manufacturers focus on releasing new equipment at a regular pace. There is a new phone model every six months or so, and the smart devices we use on all sorts of electronics, from TV sets to refrigerators, seem to get smarter every year. An ATM is a computer at its core, and ATM technology is evolving in a slower but similar fashion to the other computer devices you probably use daily. You have likely noticed technological evolution and the release of new machines while maintaining the still-sufficient devices you already own. The same could be true for your ATMs.
NCR is Ending Support for Select Hardware and Software
NCR will indeed sunset (end support) for the NCR APTRA Edge 10 ATM software after December 31, 2023, and focus its attention on new software, Activate Enterprise. NCR will also sunset the 30-Series ATMs after December 31, 2024. The company will likely not provide compliance updates or other support, but the machines and software will still be usable for some time after these dates have passed. We can help you prepare to keep your machines up.
Here is What to Do About NCR End-of-Life
It’s important to note that the upcoming end-of-life dates are not a cause for alarm if your current machines are running and in good condition. These dates will not require every financial institution to buy new equipment immediately. In most cases, banks and credit unions can continue to use NCR 30-Series ATMs for the immediate future with help from an experienced support team. Choose Edge One to maximize your use of 30-Series ATMs after these end-of-life dates, and you may save time and money on upgrades that aren’t yet necessary.
Think of an electronic device you used for years after new models arrived. You might have taken the device to an independent manufacturer for service once the manufacturer’s warranty ended. Edge One can provide the reliable support your financial institution needs to make the most of your existing ATMs. Why Turn to Edge One for ATM Support After NCR Moves on to New Devices?
The Edge One team has led banks and credit unions through various end-of-support scenarios, including the NCR 80-Series, M Class, 5600, and others. Our experience guides us in ensuring great experiences for our clients and their customers as technology changes. We can access new and remanufactured NCR parts and parts from other manufacturers. Most wear parts for the 30-Series are still in production, so these items are not difficult to source.
With access to the necessary parts and service from a team with plenty of experience servicing models beyond manufacturer support times, your financial institution might use your current ATMs for years after these official end-of-life dates!
We also offer complete ATM service and ATM management. We can help if your branch needs professionals to handle transaction processing, cash replenishment, cash management, or other tasks related to running an ATM. Lean on us to support your NCR 30-Series ATMs.
So, Don’t Sweat Over the NCR End-of-Life News
While NCR is ending support for certain hardware and software products, how some have delivered this news may be more alarming than necessary. Let’s discuss your current ATM equipment status and customize a plan to ensure your machines will continue to meet your financial institution’s needs. Call 800-423-EDGE (3343) directly, or request a meeting to speak with an Edge One representative about the NCR end-of-life dates and how your branch will handle them.
Reach Out to Us for Assistance
Do you already have service from Edge One? Please reach out to your representative with any concerns about your current equipment. We are working with clients proactively to position them for the future but feel free to connect with us if we have not yet given you guidance specific to your branch or institution. We look forward to speaking with you!
Not a current Edge One customer? Fill out our contact form and a member of the Edge One team will reach out to you shortly, or call us directly at your convenience: 800-423-EDGE (3343).
