A customer who wants to cash a check approaches an unattended terminal at a shopping mall and selects the check-cashing function on the terminal. A digital camera is activated, and biometrics software identifies the customer. The customer then inserts a check into the terminal, and, upon verification of the amount, a check-cashing fee is deducted. The customer receives the balance in cash or in the form of a debit card with a personalized PIN, which can be used right away or exchanged for cash at a later date. The customer also may choose to pay bills or purchase prepaid services from the terminal, such as wireless phone minutes.

Prizm Technology, Inc. has introduced the TOP-UP terminal, an unattended kiosk that provides users with the ability to purchase services such as prepaid cellular minutes, bill payment, automated check cashing and wire transfers. The terminals are placed in shopping malls, convenience stores, transportation centers, universities and other high-traffic retailer areas.

The TOP-UP terminal automates point-of-sale financial transactions through an intelligent client and back-office system. Customers may select a payment of their choice to purchase services: cash, credit, debit or stored-value card.

Some of the features available in the TOP-UP are a full-color touch screen that delivers content and advertising information, pre-programmed soft keys for easy scrolling through menus or making purchase selections, a bill acceptor and dispenser for multidenomination transactions, thermal printing for receipts and PIN activation numbers, integrated telephony for "live" customer assistance, context-sensitive help screens to assist users throughout the transaction, and a digital camera.

What makes these terminals attractive to retailers? The TOP-UP terminal allows retailers to offer today's "in-demand" value-added services cost-effectively. Not only is the unit the size and price of a multimedia payphone, retailers can lease the equipment without investing in hardware, software or a back-office system; they also don't need to sign up for services with carriers or service providers. Advertising represents an additional fee-based revenue source.

Prizm expects to place 500 TOP-UP terminals by the end of 2002 and an additional 2,000 units by the end of 2003.

Prizm Technology, Inc. 6475 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-752-6475 www.prizmtechnology.com or www.top-up.biz