RS Software Implements a Digital Payment Platform: The Unified Payment Interface

Abstract

RS software is an IT service provider that specializes in software development, testing, and support services. It implemented the Unified Payment Interface widely known as the UPI solution for the Indian population using open source technology. The NPCI had the charter to build the retail payments infrastructure for India. They architected the UPI solution to revolutionize digital payments across India. The project was critical for both the NPCI and RS Software, as it championed the Prime Minister’s financial inclusion initiative under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The goals for the UPI were universal electronic payments, a less cash society, and financial inclusion, affecting more than a billion people in India. It aimed to integrate all government sponsored digital payment channels in India, with a one click solution and a single payment address. Sumit Misra, the CTO of RS Software and the protagonist of this case, was the advisor to a team of experienced and competent IT resources. The case revolves around Sumit and his teams’ trials and tribulations in dealing with a performance issue when the developed platform failed to meet platform performance goals during performance benchmark testing. The problem brought to light a multitude of complex technology decisions coupled with multifarious stakeholder interests and environmental limitations that made the problem an ominous one to solve. Will Sumit’s team be able to deliver on time?