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A Typical ASx Acquirer Solution

In this example, the ASx solution is installed in two locations, connected by dual TCP/IP Wans. ASx could either be configured in load-sharing mode or in primary/secondary mode. The network management will be responsible for routing transaction messages arriving from either point of sale devices or ATMs, to the appropriate ASx for processing. There are various ways to achieve this depending upon the mode of operation required. The important point is that one ASx will take the load of another immediately when a failure occurs. eps are able to assist clients in defining and sourcing the network architecture should that be required.

For redundancy, there are twin Visa and MasterCard access points. It is common for an acquirer system to be connected to a domestic interchange. In such cases, ASx will likely have dual connections to the domestic interchange as shown.

ASx will automatically switch to an alternate connection should it detect a failure. Twin network access points are provided, one at each data center location, to ensure uninterrupted processing during occasions when only one ASx is functioning. Twin hardware security modules (HSM) are connected at each site to provide redundancy and to enhance performance.

HotSync® is used to maintain the integrity of the data used by both ASx systems running at the two locations. There can be vast distances between those locations so long as there is sufficient network bandwidth to manage the data transfer requirements. This provides an organization with the opportunity to implement a very secure business environment with complete contingency in the case of a catastrophic failure at any single location.