Tandem Computers Inc, Cupertino has acquired Omaha, Nebraska-based Applied Communications Inc from US West Inc and will use the acquisition to bring together all its interests for the financial services industry worldwide, developing standards and software. The goal is to accommodate the business needs of banks by increasing the availability and interoperability of applications. Applied Communications Inc becomes an independent subsidiary of Tandem: it has had a marketing relationship with Tandem since 1975 the two share more than 230 customers in banking, retail distribution and telecommunications. Financial terms were not disclosed. Tandem says it, the company and its other financial services software providers, Deluxe Data Systems, Internet Systems Corp and Logica Plc, are working with banks around the world to develop software for long-term business needs. Applied provides transaction processing software for automated teller machines and point-of-sale networks, manned teller, wire transfer, cash management and automated clearing house systems – notably its Base-24 product. It also offers applications and an enhanced services system for the telecommunications industry, and is working on a similar initiative for telecommunications partners and customers. US West paid about $120m for the company in 1986 (CI No 410).
