Threshold Electronics (Laser Cash) To Provide State-of-the-Art ABMs In Major Drug Store Chain

August 14, 2002 - Toronto, Ontario -- Threshold Electronics Limited (Threshold) announced today a new contract to install ABMs into a national network of 800+ retail drug stores. ABMs will be deployed throughout Canada in the Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix (Quebec) chain of stores, starting in September. Deployment is expected to be largely complete by second quarter 2003.

As a result of this agreement, the retail stores will soon feature web-capable Wincor Nixdorf ABMs, supplied by IBM Canada Limited. In addition to dispensing cash, the ABMs will ultimately support a loyalty program application.

"We are delighted to work with Threshold to deliver this innovative retail self-service solution," says IBM Canada's Industry Executive, Bev Crone. "Using state-of-the-art Wincor Nixdorf ABMs plus IBM's leading-edge technology, sector expertise and services, we're bringing new directions to in-store banking machines". IBM distributes Wincor Nixdorf solutions in over 20 countries, including Canada and the U.S.

"We're very proud to have been selected as the vendor of choice for this exciting initiative," explained Matthew McIver, President of Threshold Electronics Limited. "Threshold has invested heavily in infrastructure switching, technology and people, to bring to market a technologically advanced and professionally-managed ABM solution. For example, we use a state-of-the-art Mosaic Software switching platform that makes possible a wide range of transactions not typically achievable on legacy-based ABM networks."

This agreement represents the single largest ABM roll-out in Canada to date by a private-label deployer. "Our proven operations experience, advanced switching technology and superior development will make this one of the most sophisticated networks in Canada," adds McIver.