Wells Fargo Web-Enables ATMs

Wells Fargo & Co. has Web-enabled every one of its 6,200 automated teller machines, the company said Tuesday. The bank, with $428 billion in assets and more than 6,000 retail bank branches, claims to be the first to connect its entire ATM network using Internet protocols.

The ATMs run on a customized version of Windows with a Web-browser interface. Its reputation for software bugs notwithstanding, Windows is more reliable and easier to maintain than the aging OS/2-based platform it replaced, says Jonathan Velline, Wells Fargo's head of ATM banking.

The Windows-based system allows Wells Fargo to update and add services to its entire network remotely, such as adding support for new languages or the ability to accept envelope-free deposits.

The ATMs include ergonomic and security features such as multiple languages, large-font touch screens, voice capabilities for the visually impaired, and rear-view mirrors for customer security. Transactions are encrypted before going out over the network. The ATM network is linked to Wells Fargo's bank branch, call center, and online-banking channel systems, so transactions made through one channel are updated immediately through all systems.

The company has also outfitted branches with standalone stations through which customers can access online banking services such as account activation, bill payment, and the new My Spending Report budgeting tool.

Banks have struggled with the technical challenges of multichannel integration, including adapting batch-processing systems for checking, savings, mortgage, and other products to a real-time, around-the-clock, customer-service environment.