In the 1930s, Diebold Inc., the maker of self-service banking systems and security devices, helped develop a way to shoot off tear gas in bank lobbies in case notorious robber John Derringer and his gang paid a visit. Diebold, which also had Derringer's nemesis, Mr. Untouchable himself, Eliot Ness, as chairman of its board for seven years, has changed with the times. Today, the North Canton, Ohio, company is better known as one of the biggest ATM makers in the world.
ATMs are in the process of being reborn.
A one-stop shop Among other things, the new ATMs are capable of cashing checks, printing statements, copies of canceled checks and maps and issuing money orders, postage stamps or phone cards. If the ATM is Web-enabled, you'll be able to do online bill payments. The new ATMs may also look more like kiosks in that they may have touch screens instead of keypads. ATMs, traditionally, are quick, cash dispensers. They usually have an interactive touch screen and sometimes sell services such as insurance policies.