I noticed this sentence buried in this otherwise dry report:

It is noteworthy that some banks have introduced separate ATM for the blind,
which is based on sound
and Braille language.

It is indeed.  banking access to the blind is spreading world wide.  the
local projects many of us have been leading in Canada and the united States
have made it possible to develop the technology so it can easily be deployed
anywhere.

Kelly



    Middle East North Africa . Financial Network

    MENAFN.COM

    Saudi banks spend SR 722 million annually to improve technology

    Saudi Economic Survey -
April 8, 2004

    The Saudi Arabian banking sector has witnessed robust growth and
tremendous progress in expanding and updating their technology structure,
thanks to the IT revolution.

    The Saudi banking sector, especially the central bank - Saudi Arabian
Monetary Agency, has introduced a series of electronic banking services.
The average spending of Saudi banks for improving and updating their
technology in a year is estimated at around SR 722 million.

    This expenditure is incurred on updating, modernization and improving
services of the computers network. Most important among them are e-banking
services, security of information, internal and external networks,
automated teller machines and their selling points, improving the
electronic structure and internet services. All these helped the Saudi
banking sector to attain a higher position at the international banking
sector.

    According to banking sources, the most advanced and developed banking
sectors are those associated with banking service sectors for individuals
as well as for companies, investment sector and special services, finance
portfolio and local and international stock dealings. The advancement in
the technological structure of banking sector has opened new vistas for
improvement including introduction of several new banking programs and
services.

    One of the remarkable achievements made by Saudi banks in the
information technology sector is the establishment of banking network and
introduction of automated teller machines. At present, there are around
3500 ATMs in various regions of the Kingdom. It is noteworthy that some
banks have introduced separate ATM for the blind, which is based on sound
and Braille language.

    Most of the Saudi banks have also started providing internet services
for the customers. They can take advantage of a wide variety of banking
services through the Internet. The stock dealings at the international
level are another major achievement of the banking sector. It enables the
customers to undertake a wide variety of financial transactions while
maintaining secrecy and privacy.

    A large number of customers were attracted by another service launched
by the banks with the support of information technology. This is the
banking through telephone service. It is possible for the customers to
seek clarifications regarding their bank assets, accounts and other major
transaction details, just by making a telephone call.


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