The phenomenal growth of cell phone usage in the past decade has surprised even the experts. By the end of 2006, vendors had shipped 1.019 billion units worldwide, according to IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. At this rate, 32 cell phones are being added to global wireless networks each second.

But it is not simply the remarkable spread of mobile phones that should make banks and credit unions sit up and take notice. The fact is there were more than four times as many cell phones sold in 2006 as personal computers, according to IDC. These cell phones are powerful and sophisticated. Nearly all phones sold today can handle text-based messaging and 88% are Web-enabled.

Many financial institutions outsource their online banking and bill payment applications. If your institution is in this group, the choice of delivery method is critical. Careful consideration is necessary to help ensure that your choice reflects your position in your marketplace, your expectations of the Internet channel, and your strategy for growth and profitability.

Whether you're planning to convert your Internet banking or bill payment service now or in the future, this guide will help you avoid potential pitfalls and difficulties that can arise without thorough planning.

This paper describes how financial institutions can evaluate the profitability of their Internet channels. It includes several variables that impact profitability, using conservative assumptions based on industry averages that were used in a Return on Investment (ROI) model developed by Online Resources.

Beyond the buzzwords, this white paper, prepared by our marketing experts, outlines the framework of an online CRM model. See how that model gives financial institutions the tools and expertise they need to compete effectively.

This Electronic Payments Solutions Buyer's Guide from PayStream Advisors is designed to help billers address many of the questions they face regarding their current payments offering. Targeted to financial managers who want to explore opportunities to improve consumer billing and payments, the report provides a comprehensive picture of trends altering the payment landscape.

NEW! A December 2007 report discusses the results of a survey of consumers and billers regarding the effect of the current mortgage crisis on bill payment and collection patterns

A 2006 benchmark study of four top-twenty card issuers using the Virtual Collection Agent looks at the cost savings of web-based collections, as well adoption and payment trends.

A Champion-Challenger report features a Top 3 card issuer, examining cumulative flow rates, loss avoidance and operational savings.