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Question and answers to help you implement BACSTEL-IP. Q. What is the BACS Approved Software Service?
A. The BACS approved software service is a programme for software developers (solution suppliers) who wish to develop a BACSTEL-IP software solution.
The approval service ensures that the quality of BACSTEL-IP software and customer service standards are maintained to a high level. Only packages that pass the rigorous testing and approval procedures set by BACS will be able to gain access to BACSTEL-IP.
The testing approval procedures include: ensuring easy to use and secure connections, validation routines to check for incorrect bank account data and, most importantly, assuring compliance to the BACSTEL-IP interface which requires digital signing and SSL.
Q. How much does a BACSTEL-IP solution cost?
A. The cost of a BACSTEL-IP solution will depend on the type and configuration of the system you use to submit payments. Solution suppliers will establish their own charges for packages normally dependent on the range of features and options chosen. The overall costs of a solution will also need to take into account any requirement to upgrade the system hardware or operating system to support the required technical specification and any costs associated with the new security solution. Large-scale implementations may require project management and the involvement of a customer’s IT department depending on their IT development policy and technical requirements.
Q. Do businesses have the option of developing their own BACSTEL-IP interface?
A. Yes, businesses that would prefer to write their own BACSTEL-IP solution may do so but must conform to the technical and quality specifications of BACSTEL-IP and will be subject to the conditions and testing mandated under the BACS Approved Software Service.
Businesses will be required to enter a Non Disclosure Agreement with BACS before receiving further details concerning the BACS Approved Software Service and the Technical Specification concerning the BACSTEL-IP interface.
Q. How long does a standard implementation take?
A. A simple stand-alone PC based implementation will typically take 6-8 weeks. Network, mainframe or HSM solutions will take longer. Customers should talk to suppliers of BACS approved software for a more accurate estimate based on their individual circumstances. |
