Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for configuring an ATM. The ATM receives an online/offline configuration message that specifies one or more conditions when the ATM is to go online. The ATM goes offline and performing zero or more offline transactions. The ATM goes online based at least in part on at least a portion of the online/offline configuration message. The online/offline configuration message is in an XML-based format.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for configuring an ATM. The ATM receives one or more configuration messages in an XML-based format. The ATM interprets the one or more configuration messages. The ATM restricts one or more ATM operations based on at least a portion of the one or more configuration messages.

Abstract: The invention features a method for authorizing access to an ATM. An ATM receives from a user first biometric information and a first identifier corresponding to at least the user. The ATM transmits the first identifier to a first computer outside the ATM. The first computer reads second biometric information from storage based at least in part on the first identifier. The first biometric information with the second biometric information are compared to generate comparison information. The ATM then authorizes user access to financial transactions based at least in part on the comparison information.

Abstract: The invention features a method for administering an ATM. One or more transactions are conducted at the ATM and the ATM generates one or more logs corresponding to the transactions. A communications link is established between the ATM and a computer. The logs are represented in an XML-based format and are transmitted over the communications link in that format. XML stands for extensible Markup Language.