PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 1997--

Sun Continues to Add Web-Enabled Retail Delivery Channels to Sun(TM) Connect(TM)

Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Netsmart Technologies today announced plans to deliver Web-enabled kiosk and smart card solutions for the financial services industry based on the Sun(TM) Connect(TM) architecture and Netsmart's SmartePay kiosk technology.

The addition of the fast growing kiosk delivery channel to the Sun Connect line up represents the latest move by Sun to integrate all retail delivery channels with the Internet for secure financial transactions via the Web. Sun has already announced call center, branch office and home banking/trading solutions for Sun Connect.

"Sun Connect momentum is building quickly with the addition of new delivery channels, all integrated through the Sun Connect framework," said Rob Hall, vice president, worldwide financial services for Sun Microsystems Computer Company. "Netsmart brings two rapidly growing, strategic solutions to Sun Connect -- self serve kiosks and smart card capabilities."

The Netsmart Financial Services Kiosk is designed to run within the Sun Connect architecture, allowing a financial services organization to integrate kiosks with its other retail delivery channels via the Web, providing customers with a common look-and-feel across all channels, from kiosk to home banking to ATM. Netsmart's CarteSmart system enables smart card solutions, particularly Java Card(TM)-based applications to run quickly and efficiently within the Sun Connect architecture.

"Kiosks are emerging as an important delivery channel for banks, securities firms and insurance companies, enabling self-serve capabilities that go beyond traditional ATM transactions," said Len Luttinger, President of Netsmart Technologies Electronic Transaction Delivery Organization. "Bringing Netsmart's Java(TM)-enabled SmartePay kiosks and smart card capabilities to the Sun Connect framework allows financial organizations to integrate kiosks through the Web-enabled infrastructure of Sun Connect and easily extend this important channel to customers."

Netsmart Solutions

Netsmart's SmartePay Financial Services Kiosk is a customer-activated terminal that can accept and validate currency, endorse checks, accept debit, credit and smart cards, and can scan documents, such as remittance forms. It is capable of dispensing both currency and debit cards.

With its array of peripheral devices, the Financial Services Kiosk is being used for applications as varied as utility bill payments, securities trading, or any application where it is necessary to convey complex instructions and/or significant amounts of information to the customer. It has been designed for installation at most locations including branch offices, building lobbies and shopping malls.

Netsmart's CarteSmart System provides rapid development support for smart cards,including Java Card applications, for Netsmart's kiosk solutions, as well as for other delivery channels, including future smart card devices for home banking.