Tag: sp/architect

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

sp/ARCHITECT-BANK – developed by a Runcorn-based software house called The Software Partnership (later acquired by Deluxe Data in 1994)

“sp/architect nonstop tandem” refers to SP/ARCHITECT-BANK, an electronic banking software that ran on the highly available, fault-tolerant Tandem NonStop servers (now part of the Hewlett Packard Enterprise, or HPE, NonStop product line). 

SP/ARCHITECT-BANK Software

  • Function: Developed as an electronic banking software package, it enabled functions like desktop access to company accounts, inter-account transfers, and bookkeeping, which was considered cutting-edge in the early 1990s.
  • Developer: The software was developed by a Runcorn-based software house called The Software Partnership (later acquired by Deluxe Data in 1994).
  • Users: Various banks, including TSB, Bank of Scotland, Rabobank, and Girofon (Denmark), used the software. 

Tandem NonStop Servers

The NonStop servers, originally from Tandem Computers Inc., are known for their extreme reliability and scalability, making them suitable for mission-critical applications in finance, telecommunications, and retail. 

Key architectural features include:

  • Fault Tolerance: The systems use redundant components (processors, storage, controllers, power supplies) with a “shared-nothing” architecture to ensure continuous operation even if a component fails.
  • Operating System: They use a proprietary, message-based operating system, the NonStop Kernel (NSK, originally Guardian), which manages fault detection and failover automatically, without human intervention.
  • Current Status: Tandem was acquired by Compaq in 1997, and Compaq was subsequently acquired by HP in 2002. The NonStop product line is now offered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). More information is available on the HPE website. 

The Software Partnership (later acquired by Deluxe Data in 1994)