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Our goal is clear: become the financial self-service leader in every key market around the world. And our progress in achieving this objective is clear as well. We rank first in North America and Latin America. And while we're second in
Asia-Pacific and third in Europe, we're growing and continue to win significant business in both of these regions. Not a bad performance, particularly given the difficult economic and market
environment in 2001. But not nearly good enough. It's why we have developed and are executing clearly defined strategies in each of our markets -- strategies
that combine organic growth and acquisitions enabled by our strong balance sheet in order to enhance our market position.
Europe is a case in point. Two years ago, we acquired the financial self-service business of Getronics NV and Groupe Bull. The addition of this business -- which includes automated teller machines (ATMs), cash dispensers and related
software and services -- to our existing one provided us with a stronger platform for growth throughout the region.
During 2001, our focus was on integrating organizations in more than 20 separate countries, with more than 1,300 employees, into one cohesive unit. At the same time, we want to maintain and enhance the existing and new customer
relationships we acquired as we transition and rationalize our product, software and service offerings.
The end result of our efforts? Our business in the region grew at a faster rate than that of our competitors, and our performance improved dramatically, exceeding the goals we had set at the time of the acquisition.
And in the future, we expect even better performance as we continue to apply
our growth orientation and management discipline -- throughout Europe, and in every region of the world. |
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| Consumers can use self-service devices to wire-transfer money, purchase tickets, buy money orders, print statements, cash checks and file tax returns. Financial institutions and others can use them to cross-sell their products and services, personalize their marketing efforts, build stronger customer relationships, and operate more efficiently. And yes, they still dispense cash.
Welcome to the new world of self-service delivery, a world of opportunity to those with the vision, resources and expertise to help financial institutions and other
customers realize the potential they offer. It's a world in which we're changing the focus of the ATM from a destination point for getting cash to a vital point of contact for a broad range of services and transaction capabilities.
In 2001, for example, we showcased a new application that integrates the functionality of ATMs and wireless delivery channels. It enables consumers to
use the ATM in the same way that they securely synchronize their mobile device -- with information from their personal computer.
The broader role of the ATM for institutions and consumers is part of a bigger industry trend that we're also driving. It's the trend toward developing network management and applications software on industry standard platforms, so they run seamlessly on any ATM system. And it affords us the opportunity to win new business from institutions who wish to upgrade the functionality and capabilities of their network -- even if we have not supplied their installed base of ATMs.
Yesterday, it was the hardware; today and tomorrow, it's the software and the services that will drive the growth of the financial self-service business. It's why we're investing in internal development efforts, and partnering with industry leaders
to more effectively merchandise existing technologies that will ensure our
leadership position in the years to come. |
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