sp/ARCHITECT electroinic banking by The Software Partnership TSP

sp/ARCHITECT was a pioneering electronic banking and funds-transfer software suite originally developed by the Runcorn-based firm The Software Partnership (TSP). Following its acquisition by the American firm Deluxe Electronic Payment Systems in 1994, the Runcorn office became the European hub for what was then rebranded as Deluxe Data. 

sp/ARCHITECT electroinic banking by The Software Partnership TSP

Overview

The Runcorn operation specialised in high-availability, mission-critical banking software, specifically the sp/ARCHITECT-BANK product. This software was designed to run on Tandem Computers (now HPE NonStop), which were known for their fault-tolerant architecture. The “sp/ARCHITECT” platform was highly valued for its client-server design, allowing it to be adapted for various hardware brands, including Unix-based systems. 

Historical Timeline

  • Mid-1980s: The Software Partnership (TSP) is co-founded by Nigel Walsh. The company starts developing online banking systems in Timperley before moving to Runcorn.
  • 1990: The firm establishes itself at Norton House in Crowngate, Runcorn, focusing on electronic banking software for major clients like TSB and Bank of Scotland.
  • 1992: The Runcorn office relocates to Wingate House on Northway.
  • 1994: Deluxe Electronic Payment Systems (a subsidiary of Deluxe Corporation) acquires The Software Partnership for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is aimed at helping Deluxe expand its global presence and accelerate the use of the sp/ARCHITECT suite.
  • 1994–1995: The Runcorn office operates as Deluxe Data, providing software design, coding, and 24-hour support for international clients including Rabobank.
  • 2000: Following a series of corporate shifts, the company name changes to EFD eFunds.
  • 2007: By this year, the operation has transitioned to Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and is based in Aegon House, Daresbury, Warrington. 

sp/ARCHITECT electroinic banking by The Software Partnership TSP

Unknown's avatar

Author: Mark Whitfield

Welcome to my site! After graduating in Computing in 1990, I accepted a position as a programmer at a Runcorn based software house specialising in electronic banking software, namely sp/ARCHITECT-BANK on Tandem Computers (now HPE NonStop). This was before the internet became more prevalent and so the notion of enabling desktop access to company accounts for inter-account transfers and book keeping was still quite a cutting edge idea (and smartphones only ever hinted at in Space 1999). The company was called The Software Partnership (which was taken over by Deluxe Data in 1994). I spent 5 years in Runcorn developing code for SP/ARCHITECT for various banks like TSB, Bank of Scotland, Rabobank and Girofon (Denmark) to name but a few. I then moved onto a software house in Salford Quays for further bank facing projects. After a further 23 years in the IT industry and now a Senior IT Project Manager (both Agile and Waterfall delivery), I thought I would echo out my Career Profile in this corner of the internet for quick and easy access.

Leave a comment