ICL Plc is announcing a Java and Internet-based home banking system today in conjunction with the UK’s branchless bank First Direct: the round-the-clock service, said to be mot advanced of its kind in Europe, will be offered to all of First Direct’s 650,000 customers, with trials for 2,000 customers beginning next month, and a full service later this year. The service can be delivered via televisions, Network Computers, and personal digital assistants, as well as personal computers via the web browser, and customers will be able to transfer funds between accounts, pay bills, view statements, request PIN numbers and replacement cards, and open savings accounts.
