ATMs will start getting personal with usersCanadas automated teller machine (ATM) manufacturing industry has reached a milestone with the production of the 50,000th unit at NCR Corporations Waterloo-based facility in Waterloo, Ont. It took NCR six years to produce 50,000 ATMs, and the company now expects to double that number in only three years. NCR reports that the capabilities of the ATM are also increasing, noting the advent of Bluetooth wireless technology could have a significant impact on worldwide ATM usage. Bluetooth will provide the link between the mobile world and self-service devices such as the ATM -- with the consumer carrying the interface (PDAs, etc.). Gone will be the ATM that simply dispenses cash, predicts NCR. In the future, this self-service "touchpoint" will connect mobile media, with the print and delivery facilities offered through the ATM. As well, personalization of the ATM will include specialized services that are targeted directly to the consumer. NCR
MasterCard Canada has launched MasterCard Virtual Solution, what the company calls the first virtual payment card for Internet, mobile commerce, mail order/telephone order and other remote and recurring payment purchases.