BANK tech-trends News
 

May 18, 2009 - May 22, 2009

• Hardware News
• Software Updates
• ATMs/Kiosks
• Biometric Digest Highlights
• Wireless World
• Security Section
• Leaders Roundtable
• Technology and Marketing
• Online Banking/E-Commerce/
  Website Design
• Internet Access
• Call Centers

Hardware News

Although UPS units are made to sustain power in the case the main power fails, they typically aren’t designed to bridge a longer power outage. Rather than trying to serve that role, UPS devices have become more efficient and smarter when it comes to handling power emergencies. For example, Eaton’s Powerware PW5130 can perform a smart, staggered shutdown process for multiple devices such as servers, routers and more. Thanks to three different power outlet groups, it is possible to switch off some devices right away, continue with server shutdown after a few minutes, and make sure that network relevant devices stay up for as long as possible. The Powerware PW5130 also supports battery hot-swapping and online expansion through external battery modules.

Xerox is taking 'green' printers to another level by eliminating one of the most wasteful aspects of printing: the ink cartridge. With the new ColorQube 9200, the ink comes in the form of small sticks, resembling pieces of chalk. Once an ink stick is exhausted, you insert a new one - there's nothing to throw away or recycle. Plus, apart from the ink sticks used in the machine there is only one other consumable supply item: a cleaning unit that has a life of 200,000 pages and a list price of $140. Now for the bad news: the ColorQube 9200 Series is priced starting at $23,500.

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ATMs/Kiosks

At the recent KioskCom Self Service Expo, Tranax Technologies was demoing two of its financial kiosks. They showed a through-the-wall kiosk that includes a 17-inch sun-viewable touchscreen and several component bays for a bill acceptor, card reader and receipt printer. Also on display was the Transactional Kiosk 1000, Tranax’s financial kiosk, which handles bill pay, ticketing and card dispensing. Other options include: a magnetic card dispenser, MEI bill acceptor with 500 or 1,000 note capacity, electronic lock and tamper alarm.

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It was recently announced that Ennova was awarded a patent for a new USB flash drive that uses finger biometrics. In addition, the flash drive has a retractable USB connector and integral cover that protect the drive's OLED screen. The OLED screen not only functions as the fingerprint reader, but it also lets you choose files from the drive.

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VASCO Data Security International, a software security company specializing in authentication products, and MoadBus, a software products and services provider to the international financial sector, have entered a partnership to deliver digital signature security on mobile banking and mobile cash solutions to joint customers. MoadBus develops mobile banking and NFC-based mobile payment solutions. To enhance the security of these solutions, VASCO DIGIPASS authentication and digital signature will be integrated into MoadBus' MBanking and Mobile-Cash applications.

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A credit card with a built-in display is being tested by Visa with the aim of reducing online fraud. The Emue Card generates and displays a unique code each time it is used. It can be used for remote employee access via a virtual private network (VPN). The card has a keypad and LCD screen embedded into it, to allow users to enter their PIN and generate a one-time use passcode, which is then authenticated by the VPN. Visa says that the card can cut costs substantially compared to using a separate token device, and that the card is compatible with Verified by Visa which could prevent CNP fraud and identity theft associated with online banking, telephone authentication and other remote channels.

Amplitude Research has released their sixth annual "What Keeps Network Administrators Up At Night" survey. Of those who said they felt budgeted sufficiently for security needs, their top security concerns included: users (25%); a security break to the network (22%); recovery plan (18%); worrying about the next virus/worm (16%); and a security breach to their own website (9%). Meanwhile of those who said they felt budgeted insufficiently for security needs, their top security concerns ranked: users (41%); recovery plan (39%); security breach to the network (34); worrying about the next virus/worm (28%); and security breach to their website (7%).

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Security:

Protecting Customer Data at Rest and in Motion

CheckFree - http://www.checkfree.com Read Christopher Beier's comments: http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/CheckFree.pdf

Code Green Networks - http://www.codegreennetworks.com   Read Rod Murchison's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/CGN.pdf

e-DMZ Security - http://www.e-dmzsecurity.com   Read Kris Zupan's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/e-DMZ.pdf

Gladiator Technology - http://www.gladiatortechnology.com Read Danny Johnston's comments: http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Gladiator.pdf

Guardian Analytics - http://www.guardiananalytics.com Read Tom Miltonberger's comments:     http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Guardian.pdf

HEIT - http://www.goheit.com   Read Dan Holt's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Heit.pdf

Integrated Computer Solutions - http://www.icsinc.com   Read Keith Young's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/ICS.pdf

Intrepidus Group - http://www.intrepidusgroup.com   Read Rohyt Belani's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Intrepidus.pdf

Netsecuris - http://www.netsecuris.com   Read Leonard Jacobs' comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Netsecuris.pdf

Network Box - http://www.networkboxusa.com   Read Pierluigi Stella's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/NetworkBox.pdf

Perimeter eSecurity - http://www.perimeterusa.com   Read Kevin Prince's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Perimeter.pdf

Reclamere - http://www.reclamere.com   Read Kevin Doyle's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/Reclamere.pdf

Simpler-Webb - http://www.swinc.com   Read Jeff Simpler's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/SimplerWebb.pdf

SkyRecon Systems - http://www.skyrecon.com   Read Sean Martin's comments:   http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/SkyRecon.pdf

Software and Management Associates - http://www.smausa.com Read Michael W. Taylor's comments: http://www.banktt.com/roundtable/SMA.pdf

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The Raddon Financial Group (RFG) recently formed a small business research consortium to provide an in-depth analysis of how small businesses perceive financial institutions and use financial products and services. Among the findings from RFG’s latest survey include actions small businesses are taking to cope with the current economic environment. In 2009, 30% of small businesses with annual sales of $500 thousand to $10 million plan to lay-off employees. Fifty-two percent will freeze pay and 41% plan to eliminate bonuses in 2009. Small business cost-cutting measures extend to health insurance benefits and 401(k) matches as well. On a slightly more positive note, 18% feel that their annual sales will increase in 2009, while 37% expect flat sales comparing 2008 to 2009. RFG will present results from the latest study at regional workshops throughout the country this month.

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Viewpointe, a leading provider of check image exchange and archive services, announced that the Federal Reserve Banks have signed an agreement to store their check images with Viewpointe. The Reserve Banks' archive currently contains nearly 10 billion check images and serves more than 1,000 financial institution customers. Their check image volume will substantially increase Viewpointe's current archive volume of more than 127.8 billion images stored.

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EMBARQ has introduced an IP solution, EMBARQ Managed IP Telephony MIPT), which is designed to take care of an organization’s entire voice communications system by offering around-the-clock monitoring and alerting solutions. The Monitoring and Alerting Service includes: an always-on device monitoring; up/down and ticket status; remote diagnostics and minor remote repairs; help desk support with around-the-clock, live response; notification of events through phone, e-mail or both; and monthly traffic and alarm activity reporting.

WIN Enterprises announced the introduction of its WIN Pro IP PBX (PL-60700), an economical desktop platform for IP PBX systems. The company says that the WIN Pro IP PBX is available as an Asterisk-ready platform that will enable service providers to provide large enterprise unified communications features to small businesses at very affordable pricing.

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If your bank is looking to start a new call center or enhance your existing center, you may want to take a look at the new Step to Call Center management Kit. The kit includes seven different modules and each module features a set of templates, documents, reports and tools. The seven modules are: the Step to Call Center E-book, Call Center Setup, Customer Service Training, Call Center Operation, Contact Center Management Process Assessment, Service Level Agreement, and Call Center HR. It also contains many call center templates, as well as documents and materials that are designed to create a road map for the owner of the kit. The website includes a call center directory and several call center related articles: www.steptocallcenter.com.

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