Banks are already involved. Electronic invoice presentment and payment provides a current example of banks entering the B2B market, albeit primarily large financial institutions. Using available technology, banks process transactions between business payers and payees. Internet marketplaces, discussed later, also provide an avenue to new relationships. No one knows what the future holds for banking.
Predictions are plentiful and arbitrary at best.
However, few dispute that the popularity of Internet banking will rise. Faster connections, cables lines that leave computers continually online, and growing Internet access will expand the popularity of Internet banking. Web TV and new wireless devices mean consumers don t even need a computer to bank online. Some people fearlessly transact business via the Internet, and others are more hesitant. But, ask retail customers who balance their statements online or use online bill payment, and you probably won t find many who want to revert to the paper and postage system.