In case I hurt anyone’s feelings who is impressed with the dynamics of our business, I offer the following actual, historical account of how it took a decade or more to move each new trend:

1960s A rarely seen act of kindness. Large banks supported the data processing needs of small banks. Reason: Default—only a handful of commercial companies saw the opportunities, so up-line correspondent banks accepted the burden that entrepreneurs overlooked.

1970s ATMs. It took 12 years for ATMs to be viewed as a technology-to-stay. Reason for the delay: Bankers were not convinced that a machine could do the job of a teller. Reason for its success: Consumers were screaming, “We want banking our way—anytime, anyplace, any machine, and no small talk please, I’m in a hurry.”

1980s Personal Computer. First considered a toy by IBM, DEC and Big Iron skeptics who felt threatened that a $5,000 device could do what a mystical society of elitist technicians were controlling. Apple never made it in the world of business, but every provider of any current technology owes a debt of gratitude to Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and their parents’ garage. Add Bill Gates for dumping a Harvard education to follow a conviction, while the mighty IBM missed another opportunity.

1990s Internet. Another stall by bankers who felt if it wasn’t brick and mortar, it couldn’t be a bank. But things were getting better. While it took ATMs 12 years to mature, the Internet took only eight years for banks.

2K Check imaging. This sarcastic expression never rang truer: “Good morning, we’re with the federal government and we’re here to help you.” When Congress passed Check 21, the reality that a paper check was an Olympic size hurdle opened the door to true electronic processing for clearing checks. But lots of banks are still waiting—for what, I don’t know.

2.1K My screen is dark. Last week I blogged about the 46th tech solution that has not yet been invented. Apparently the inventors are on sabbatical, or doing charitable foundation work, or running the business, or deceased, or ill, or just not interested. Don’t blame this one on the economy.

If there’s anything left in the Stimulus Fund, I think it ought to go to the creation of a Bank Tech Think Tank, but with strings attached. Since the federal government is now acting like a business, it should require a pay-back from tech vendors who benefit financially for new innovations that came out of the tank. What do you think?