Bremer Financial and Aurum Technology to Complete Record Branch Image Capture Conversion.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2003

$5.3 Billion Institution to Enhance Service and Increase Efficiency through Conversion of 102 Bank Locations to Branch Image Capture

Aurum Technology(R), a leading provider of open and integrated technology-based solutions to Community Banks, Credit Unions and Savings Institutions, today announced that Bremer Financial Corporation, a $5.3 billion institution based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is on schedule to complete the conversion of its eleven banks to branch image capture by the end of July 2003. With 102 locations involved, this conversion represents one of the larger branch image conversions in the community-based financial services space. This process will enable Bremer's converted banks to reap the benefits of advanced imaging solutions, including timely, accurate items processing that is independent of weather conditions - minimizing the negative impact to their customers, while providing increased convenience and on-the-spot inquiry resolution capabilities.

"This type of monumental conversion process requires a great deal from the technology provider. Aurum has proven time and again that they have not only the technical expertise, but also the professional commitment necessary to deliver the advanced solutions that meet our needs," said Gren Blackall, chief information officer for Bremer Financial Corporation. "Our relationship is not vendor to customer, it is a partnership. And that partnership enables us to focus on serving our customers, knowing that the operational side of things will continue to run smoothly."

Aurum currently serves as Bremer's core processing provider with all eleven banks leveraging the company's outsourced Premier(TM) solutions. As part of the conversion process, Aurum has installed 120 branch image capture units at Bremer branch locations. These units will be used to handle more than 5 million items each month - all processed with Aurum's image-enabled technology. With branch locations throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota, Bremer's banks often battle inclement weather conditions - such as snow, ice and fog - that prove prohibitive for bank couriers who travel by both road and air. The new branch image capture solutions from Aurum will enable Bremer to complete their item processing procedures through branch image capture, posting transactions to Bremer's customers' accounts, regardless of whether the physical item has been transported to the Aurum items processing center.

"Digital imaging technology represents one of the most significant innovations in the history of check processing. With inherent benefits of reduced processing time, faster receipt of funds and reduced room for manual error, image item processing can save financial institutions both time and money, delivering superior service to customers in the process," said John Heus, senior vice president of Aurum Technology's payment services group. "And by removing the limitations associated with transporting physical items, we can help eliminate any disruption of service to Bremer's customers - no matter what Mother Nature may bring."

About Aurum Technology Inc.

Aurum Technology Inc. provides open and integrated information technology-based solutions to the financial services industry, with capabilities ranging from Core Solutions to eBanking to Check Imaging to Business Intelligence. Using its more than 30 years of experience and proven suite of products and services, Aurum provides Community Banks, Credit Unions and Savings Institutions with the means to increase efficiencies, grow market share and fortify customer and member relationships. With a nationwide network of 24 image item processing centers and 1,400 professionals, Aurum serves more than 1,200 customers throughout North America, including many of the financial industry's highest performing institutions. More information is available at www.aurumtechnology.com.