Visiting with lots of bankers and technology vendors at BAI, one hears a great deal about alternate channels, and multi-channel integration. My conclusion after all these discussions is that the new alternate channel is the branch. More customers use "alternate channels" such as internet banking, mobile banking, IVR and ATM, than use the branch. I think banks need to turn their thinking around and think of the automated channels as primary channels and the branch and call center as alternate channels when their primary channels can't do the job. Most new consumers have already changed their mindsets. Bankers would be well advised to do the same. Branch is the alternate channel.