Bank of the Sierra Selects PCS Vision for Core Banking.

Business Editors

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2003

Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq:BSRR), parent company of the $762-million Bank of the Sierra in Porterville, California, has chosen the Vision(TM) system from Precision Computer Systems (PCS) to replace the bank's current core banking software. Bank of the Sierra joins more than 750 community banks nationwide that have selected PCS as their core banking solutions provider. PCS is a unit of Fiserv, Inc. (Nasdaq:FISV)

"Since our bank serves a dozen diverse communities in four different counties, an adaptable business approach is essential," said Ken Goodwin, Bank of the Sierra Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "As we considered expansion, we looked for a technology partner that utilizes current technology that can help us deliver timely, accurate and robust services to our customers. PCS meets and exceeds those requirements."

Vision is based on Progress, a powerful, high-performance, fourth-generation language with its own embedded database.

"Combined with IBM's hardware and operating system, Vision is both fast and reliable," said Mark Blankespoor, PCS Vice President of Development. "The flexibility and scalability of this solution make it ideal for Bank of the Sierra."

As the bank moves forward with its business plans, dynamic executive reporting is needed to make operating and strategic decisions that foster growth. "Key reporting and analytical tools are primary components of the Vision solution," said Goodwin. "These will be a valuable part of our management process at all levels."

PCS President Bruce Christensen said PCS is committed to helping financial institutions achieve and surpass the level of effectiveness they seek from their technology solutions. "Bank of the Sierra is a highly respected organization, and we are pleased they have decided to partner with us," Christensen said.

Bank of the Sierra, headquartered in Porterville, California, in the south San Joaquin Valley, operates 17 branch offices as well as two agricultural credit centers and a bank card center. In 2003, Sierra Bancorp was added to the Russell 2000 Index, and US Banker magazine ranked it as the nation's 24th best-performing financial institution over the past three years, based on its three-year return on equity. For more information, see www.bankofthesierra.com.

Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Precision Computer Systems (PCS) is a leading supplier of core banking products. Vision, the company's flagship system, is complemented by a line of optional modules developed, installed and supported by PCS, including Internet banking, platform, positive pay and marketing applications. PCS provides both in-house and managed resource solutions to community banks ranging from de novos to multi-billion institutions. A reputation for software service and reliability contribute to the company's 99 percent annual client retention rate. Part of the Fiserv family of companies, PCS is a subsidiary of Information Technology, Inc. (ITI). PCS can be found on the Internet at www.pcsbanking.com.

Information Technology, Inc. (ITI), a subsidiary of Fiserv, Inc., provides America's bankers an extensive array of technology solutions and support services for core accounting, relationship management, teller and platform automation, Internet banking, account aggregation, e-commerce solutions for business and consumers, business intelligence, imaging and document management. A comprehensive suite of planning, installation, support, training, analysis and consulting services supports all technology solutions. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, Information Technology has grown to include its subsidiaries Precision Computer Systems (PCS) and eSolutions, and partnerships with some of the best-known technology companies in the world. ITI can be found on the Internet at www.itiwnet.com.

Fiserv, Inc. (Nasdaq:FISV) is a provider of industry leading information management systems and services to the financial industry, including transaction processing, outsourcing and business process outsourcing, as well as software and systems solutions. The company serves more than 14,000 clients worldwide, including banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, financial planners/investment advisers, insurance companies and agents, self-insured employers, lenders and savings institutions. Headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Fiserv reported $2.3 billion in processing and services revenues for 2002. Fiserv can be found on the Internet at www.fiserv.com.