It involves the use of kiosk-based systems termed request transferring machines (RTMs), which will provide the investor a single window to operate with. This facility will initially be available at select bank branches. In fact, officials from these bank branches are already being trained to use this facility, according to SHCIL managing director and CEO B V Goud.

Goud said that "SHCIL would be entering an altogether new era of convenience, speed and safety". SHCIL has also entered into an agreement with Computer Associates (CA) who are one of the world'slargest developers of communications interface software. It will use and market CA's software "enterprise management solution" to monitor and manage highly distributed and diversified IT network. Cost-effective management of IT resources will help SHCIL stay on top of the technology curve and vastly expand and improve services.

Meanwhile, the SHCIL's foray into the retail segment of depository participant (DP) services has proven to be a great success and crossed the one lakh customers and touched the 1,02,900 level. With this singular achievement, SHCIL has now entered the second phase of growth.

Goud said SHCIL has evoked tremendous interest from corporate bodies and banks with over 44 banks having already signed up with SHCIL and corporate clients exceeding 1,800 account holders. It also offer special tariffs to corporate clients for their promoter holdings and also for their shareholders and employees.

SHCIL is also increasing its focus on the NRI investor population by entering into strategicalliances with market intermediaries in the Middle East and Far East. To service NRI customers, exclusive NRI cells have been established in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Calcutta, Chennai, New Delhi, Kochi and Ahmedabad, he said.

SHCIL has consolidated its presence in various regions by entering into agreements with registrars and transfer agents, investment firms, brokers, sub-brokers and other intermediaries. It has already tied up with TSRL, MCS, Bajaj Capital, Bluechip Corporate Investment Ltd and is also signing up with Lloyd's Capital Management Ltd for providing account opening services for investors all over the country.

Goud said that the corporation would explore the possibility of opening a major centre in South Mumbai to cater to high net income investors. It added a second server to cater to individual investors in the country. This has made it possible for SHCIL to process on line applications for account opening and also demat requests. This accessibility enables investors in all major cities andtowns in the country to benefit from SHCIL's services. Moreover investors in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and New Delhi will soon have the added advantage of a separate server to provide on-line connectivity with the NSDL system.