Industry Exchange

James S. Green

managing partner

Andersen Consulting

"It's unclear what the destiny of WebTV will be, primarily because it's unclear whether or not WebTV will be the access device used by consumers to conduct commerce and other transactions. (It) hinges primarily on the ability to bring value to consumers If financial services firms do benefit, it will be because they are able to bring content into homes through WebTV that drives value for the consumer well beyond what they can otherwise do at a branch or ATM."

Michael McChesney

CEO

Security First Technologies

"Basically, there will be two phases. The current phase, with the hybrid systems running at 28.8 baud, will fail. And they'll be followed by the next phase in which the Internet connectivity comes over the cable, and the WebTV box comes from Scientific Atlanta or General Instruments with much greater bandwidth. Then its usage will explode. Banks had better get ready for the second phase."

Dudley Nigg

evp

Wells Fargo Bank

"WebTV is the first step to getting every home in America on-line. Consumers no longer need to spend $2,000 for computer equipment to have Internet access. The expansion of Internet access will be a tremendous boon for financial services providers who will be able to reach more of their customer base with better, more efficient service on-line. And it's also a boon for customers who will benefit from easy, convenient access to their bank."

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER