STRATEGIC PARTNERS
December 10, 2001
TOKYO - Sony Corp.'s Internet bank is working to fix a glitch that has disabled its ATM machines and made online banking through its Web page impossible.
According to an AP report, the problem began Sept. 27 and hadn't been resolved a day later. A Sony Bank spokesman quoted in the story, Osamu Honjo, said the bank is investigating the cause of the problem but can't predict when it will be fixed.
Sony Banklaunched its new online banking services in June, and has attracted 34,700 customers though it has no branches. Customers can perform banking transactions at ATMs owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., a minority owner of the enterprise. The ATMs are placed in convenience stores and the bank's offices.
Sony Corp. owns 80 percent of the operation, with the remainder shared by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Sumitomo Mitsui.
Sony Bank account holders are able to withdraw funds through Sumitomo Mitsui branches until the problem is resolved, according to the release.
