Advanced online banking, born of necessity; hyperinflation prompted Brazil to find ways to clear checks quickly

Article Abstract:

Brazilian banks have been years ahead of US banks starting in the early 1990's when hyperinflation took off in Brazil. Inflation was so bad that the price of bread could change while people shopped, and announcements were made in stores to that effect. Now home banking and the electronic transfer of funds are commonplace for Brazilians. Checks clear within 24 hours. However, the Glass-Steagall Act can be blamed, to a certain extent, for holding back US banks from expanding online services.

Electronic computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, All Other Information Services, Brazil, Functions related to deposit banking, Electronic Funds Transfer Systems, Home Banking Service, Automatic banking equipment industry, Economic aspects, Inflation (Finance), Valuation, Electronic banking, Online banking, Home banking, Home banking services, Inflation (Economics), Real (Brazil)

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Letting the world plug into your PC, for a profit

Article Abstract:

Companies like United Devices are a part of the growing business of collecting extra computing power from personal PC owners and businesses and then redistributing that computing power for a profit to other concerns and organizations. Those who participate in giving their extra power to United Devices, and like concerns, are paid for their trouble.

Market information - general, Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing, Electronic components, not elsewhere classified, Computer Power Supplies, Analysis, Computer industry, Electrical equipment and supplies industry, Electric equipment industry, Distributed processing (Computers), Distributed computing, Power supplies (Computers), United Devices Inc.

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Credit card chips with little to do; flood of smart cards precedes clear idea of suitable uses

Article Abstract:

U.S. companies such as American Express and Visa are issuing smart cards, but so far there is almost nothing new that can be done with a smart card in the U.S., in contrast with Europe, where smart cards have been in wide use since 1990. American firms are experimenting with different functionalities for smart cards, including electronic coupons, reward programs and discounts. So far, surveys find only lukewarm interest in these uses on the part of American consumers.

Department Stores, Financial Services, Finance and Insurance, Financial services industry, American Express Co., AXP, Target Corp., Smart cards, Washington Mutual Inc. Washington Mutual Card Services Div., PVN, Smart card, TGT

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