Every disaster is quickly followed with news reports of things not working. Infrastructure being the first to be highlighted with power, transit systems, and cellular service all leading the list. Plan B, that is, your disaster recovery plan, does not always work. The New York Stock Exchange closed for two days during Hurricane Sandy due to a lack of confidence in its back-up plan. That is a huge "Blink" in my opinion.

I have to admit that at this time of year, I start to get excited. Yes, I am excited about the holidays-just ask the wife and kids. I go nuts at Christmastime. But my anticipation is also beginning to build for the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2013. I have my tickets, room, and I'm ready to go!

There has been a transition in acceptance pertaining to mobile banking, but is it mainstream? Mainstream implies ubiquitous acceptance. In addition, mobile banking apps, from a technology standpoint are standalone, meaning that mobile banking is a separate and independent product interfaced only with the core banking application using a real-time interface.

Instant issue refers to the ability of a financial institution to provide a customer with an activated, useable debit card during their visit. These cards can be a debit card for a new account, a replacement card or an additional card on an existing account. The creation of the card can be an embossed temporary card that is preloaded on the system. A permanent and personalized card is produced and sent to the customer at a later date. With these card types, all that is needed is the preloaded card to be related to a particular account and then activation on the system.

It is time that the banking industry and the graduate banking schools in the United States get serious about offering a relevant technology curriculum to their students.

It is hard to keep up, particularly when it pertains to technology and the never-ending and changing scenario of compliance. What has caught me by surprise recently is how often I encounter financial institution executives and IT managers that are not aware of a very significant AICPA change last year regarding technology reviews.

Links and videos that can inspire

Electronically speaking, the bank is always open. Your fraud department should be, too

Have you wondered why some of your new employees become easily frustrated and find it hard to learn and perform in your environment? After visiting other institutions, you may think your problem is not unique. You may even surmise that education is not keeping up with the requirements of the 21st Century workplace. The opposite is true.