HOUSTON -- Pulse EFT Association, which operates the nation's sixth-largest regional electronic banking network, has renewed its processing relationship with Texas Commerce Bank.
The news bucks a trend in which many top regional networks have been taking control of their own computer operations.
Under terms of the five-year extension signed last month. Texas Commerce will upgrade its computer hardware and software to let Pulse offer a wider range of electronic banking products.
The upgrades will likely include a migration to Himalaya nonstop processors from Tandem Computers' Inc., which is based in Cupertino, Calif. These systems will likely run Connex Advantage software from Deluxe Data Systems Inc., which is based in Glendale, Wis.
"Such enhancements are necessary as the network continues to grow," said Stan Paur, president and chief executive of Pulse. "As new users, such as gov-ernment cardholders in the evolving electronic benefits transfer programs, begin to access the system, the need for nonstop performance becomes even more critical."
Texas Commerce Bank, a unit of Chemical Banking Corp., has provided computer services to Pulse since 1986.
Pulse member financial institutions generate 150 million transactions annually through 7,600 automated teller machines and 12,300 point of sale terminals.
