Transcripts

"Tech Talk"-Ditching Deposit Slips

SUSIE GHARIB: In tonight's "tech talk" segment, teaching an old machine some new tricks, how a new machine can help teach students and how some small changes can make a big difference. With an explanation of all this, here's our technology maven, Scott Gurvey.

SCOTT GURVEY, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT CORRESPONDENT: New banking regulations, known as check 21, allow banks to process checks and deposits immediately if they so choose. Wincor-Nixdorf, one of the world's largest makers of ATM machines, has new models which do that by scanning checks and processing deposits without the need for deposit slips. Both Wells Fargo and Bank of America are testing these machines in the United States. Wincor-Nixdorf VP Alan Walsh says the ATMs also give banks new marketing opportunities.

ALAN WALSH, VP OF BANKING, WINCOR-NIXDORF: Our ATMs offer what we call customer relationship management software. That means that we personalize the transaction for the consumer who puts the card into the ATM. So we say, hi, Bob, welcome to the bank. We realize that just repaid your mortgage. Would you like a new mortgage? You've just repaid you car. Would you like a new car loan? Would you like to buy a holiday?"

GURVEY: Great, now my ATM knows all about me. But I would like an ATM that doesn't require a deposit slip or envelope. They're never around when you need them. Intel has produced a revolutionary personal computer you will not see in the United States in the near term. The small and rugged classmate is designed specifically for students in emerging markets worldwide. They are full powered PCs running Microsoft Windows, but cost only a few hundred dollars. They come loaded with special software for both students and teachers, which provides instruction on a wide range of subjects. All this is part of Intel's world ahead program, designed to bring new technology to people around the world. Unlike most online communications systems, a new one named Yoomba uses your existing email address to manage chat and audio messaging. Yoomba founder Elad Hemar says his system solves a problem found in older networks.

ELAD HEMAR, CEO, YOOMBA: It means that a Yahoo! user, for example, can only talk to a person inside Yahoo! This has been a problem for the last at least 10 years since instance messaging and instant communication has been introduced and we are coming with this new approach of the open communications experience.

GURVEY: Sometimes high tech doesn't look like high tech. Take a look at hurriquake, a new type of nail -- that's right, nail -- from Stanley Bostich. You wouldn't think you could do much to improve a nail but the hurriquake nail has been designed to provide extra resistance to the uplift and shear forces prevalent in hurricanes. The design won "Popular Science" magazine's innovation award and it exceeds the code specifications of one of Florida's biggest coastal counties, Miami-Dade. Maybe you can build a better mousetrap. Scott Gurvey, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT, New York.