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In this issue. . .

* Early Adopters and Computerphobes
* Banking’s Late Arrival to E-Commerce
* Better Business through Streaming Media
* Knows and Know-Nots in Financial Services
* Online Health Care: The Element of Trust
* Little Fear of Big Brother in Biometrics
* Mixed Responses to eLearning
* From Western Union to Electronic Banking
* Silicon Gyros in Cars and Trucks
* Robots in Space


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(Full text of SRIC-BI publications is available to sponsoring 
clients only.  To find out if your company is a sponsor, please 
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Early Adopters and Computerphobes

Six in ten respondents to a 1999 survey said that they had
used computers in the preceding 30 days. But not everybody
is embracing the technology. For some U.S. consumers, the
cost is high and the learning curve is steep. The VALS™
LeadingEdge survey identifies who’s who among computer
users. (Computer Use among U.S. Consumers: Highlights of the
1999 VALS LeadingEdge Survey)


Banking’s Late Arrival to E-Commerce

Banks have finally woken up to the $155 billion annual sales
in business-to-business channels. These latecomers to B2B
e-commerce first courted small-business customers and are
now wooing medium-size and large companies with a range of
new banking services and online-payment options. (The
Expanding Role of Banks in B2B E-Commerce)
http://www.sric-bi.com/BIP/Bulletin/B284.shtml#2269


Better Business through Streaming Media

Sexy entertainment uses of streaming media have captured the
headlines, but businesses, too,  are finding that audio and
video streaming pays off in many processes. The rewards are
better communication and greater efficiency-in conferencing,
knowledge management, customer and investor relationships,
and technical support. (Business Applications of Streaming
Media: A High-Growth Market)
http://www.sric-bi.com/BIP/Bulletin/B284.shtml#2270


Knows and Know-Nots in Financial Services

Most U.S. PC users hang out on both coasts and in
metropolitan areas. Users' life stage, age, income, and
education also determine how computer friendly they are.
Financial services providers need to find ways to use this
information to cross the digital divide and map out
appealing online products and services. (Financial Services
and the Digital Divide)
http://www.sric-bi.com/BIP/Bulletin/B284.shtml#2271


The Element of Trust in Online Health Care

People in search of medical information and support have
formed some of the most vibrant virtual communities on the
Web. Pharmaceutical and other health-related companies can
build profitable long-term relationships with these
communities-if they are careful not to betray members'
trust. (Virtual Health Communities: A Diabetes Case Study)
http://www.sric-bi.com/BIP/Bulletin/B284.shtml#2272


Little Fear of Big Brother in Biometrics

Soon, ATMs will scan users' irises before spewing out cash,
and home and car doors won't open until systems check the
owners' body temperature and fingerprints. So far, users
welcome the speed and convenience of test systems. But
biometric technology still needs to assuage Orwellian fears
and come down in cost. (Biometric Technologies and
Applications)
http://www.sric-bi.com/BIP/Bulletin/B284.shtml#2273


Mixed Responses to eLearning

Why do some people instinctively share their knowledge while
others zealously protect their turf? The VALSTM consumer
psychographic segmentation system provides some answers. The
trick is to package eLearning to meet specific needs,
encouraging all types of workers to share information and
expertise. (LoD Bulletin, First Quarter 2000)
http://www.sric-bi.com/LoD/bulletins.shtml


From Western Union to Electronic Banking

"Wiring" money goes back to the early days of the telegram.
By today's standards, electronic banking still has a
relatively low-tech approach to Internet bill payment and
presentment. Banks need to polish this element of Internet
banking to attract customers and reap full benefits.
(Internet Banking and Bill Payment)
http://www.sric-bi.com/DF/oldMFsummaries/IntBnkgToC.shtml


Silicon Gyros in Cars and Trucks

The world market for micromachined silicon gyroscopes is
heating up for in-vehicle navigation, especially in Europe.
The devices are also finding their way into antilock-braking
systems, among other auto applications. The ultimate coup
for developers will be integration with other silicon
sensors-still a few years away. (May Fiber-Optic Sensors
Viewpoints)
http://www.sric-bi.com/Explorer/FOS.shtml


Robots in Space

The baseball-size Personal Satellite Assistant will be busy
monitoring gases, bacteria growth, and air temperature and
pressure on the Space Shuttle. Eventually, the tiny robot
could support remote diagnostic operations and substitute
for damaged or nonfunctioning sensors on spacecraft. (May
Robotics Viewpoints)
http://www.sric-bi.com/Explorer/ROBO.shtml


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