NYNEX and Aegis Technologies team up to revolutionize banking functions

NEW YORK, NY -- NYNEX and Aegis Technologies have signed a co-marketing agreement that will enable NYNEX sales representatives to offer Aegis' video teleconferencing kiosks to financial and banking firms as part of a communications sales package.

Using NYNEX's ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) service, the Aegis video kiosks can be placed at remote locations such as supermarkets, shopping malls and car dealerships, and provide full-color, face-to-face video connections between bank customers and loan or account experts.

By using the video kiosks, banks and other financial institutions will be able to provide their customers services such as loan applications and approvals, mortgage services, life insurance, and more -- all without the customer ever having to set foot in a bank branch.

"Much like automated teller machines, these video kiosks will revolutionize the way consumers will attain an array of financial products and services, said Georgene Horton," NYNEX director of marketing for the financial services industry. "Across the Northeast, NYNEX will be able to meet the needs of its financial services accounts by including Aegis' high-tech videoconferencing capabilities in a total communications solution."

Horton said the advantages to banks' using the video kiosks are that licensed bank representatives or other subject experts do not have to be located at each bank branch, and that "virtual branches" can be set up in non-traditional and remote locations. In addition, financial institutions can extend normal banking hours, thereby improving customer service.

Aegis patented Interactive Delivery Platform features a two-way ISDN full-motion video system, a scanner, an electronic pen and printer -- all designed to help customers review and submit information or purchase a wide range of banking services. One touch of a button brings a trained banking product specialist to the screen. Product calculations for mortgage payments, for example, are done on the screen and can be printed out for the consumer to take home. Contracts for loans and other accounts also can be printed for customer signatures.

According to Joseph Cross, president of Aegis Technologies, "We are extremely pleased to enter this agreement with NYNEX. This partnership allows us to tap into the strong financial service market in the Northeast and eventually offer people the ease and convenience of one-stop, face-to-face banking outside of a bank."

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Aegis Technologies designs and manufactures integrated, interactive systems for sales and information distribution. The Aegis Consumer Delivery Platform links a Video Call Center to consumer sites with Aegis VideoComm, its communication and control software, providing all the tools for interactive video delivery.

NYNEX is a global communications and media company that provides a full range of services in the northeastern United States and high-growth markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Thailand, Gibraltar, Greece, Indonesia, the Philippines, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The Corporation is a leader in the telecommunications, wireless communications, cable television, directory publishing and entertainment and information services.