Cold war technology rockets fintech firm to global dominance

ACI Worldwide’s technology began as a solution to prevent an accidental nuclear missile launch. Now the firm aims to prevent competitors from creeping into its space.

ACI Worldwide COO Craig Saks (left) and CEO Phil Heasley are leading the Naples-based electronic payment company into the industry's next innovation: instant payment. Stefania Pifferi photo
ACI Worldwide COO Craig Saks (left) and CEO Phil Heasley are leading the Naples-based electronic payment company into the industry's next innovation: instant payment. Stefania Pifferi photo
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During the Cold War, the federal government engaged a group of software engineers to devise a technology to provide real-time communication between Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Neb., the White House and nuclear missile silos in North Dakota. The goal: prevent an accidental launch.

It was the birth of fiber optics.

 

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