Clarke American Adds XML Technology For Integrated Check Ordering.

Business Editors

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2000

Clarke American, a provider of checks and related products and services for credit unions, announced the successful integration of XML, a software application that provides an additional means of Internet information exchange for the company.

The company will debut the XML technology on their online branch check ordering function. In addition to traditional Application Program Interfaces (APIs), Clarke American will add XML technology as an option for Technology Service Providers (TSPs) and credit union partners.

Clarke American, first in the check product industry to fully adopt and implement XML according to financial industry standard IFX specifications, will be able to streamline the flow of data between the company, their XML-ready Technology Service Providers and credit union partners operating their own independent platforms.

"XML will give our TSPs the ability to communicate with the Clarke American system while remaining in control of their new account opening platform at all times," Clarke American's Director of e-Commerce Marketing, Tony Streeter said. "By eliminating time spent on customized integration routines, Clarke American has successfully reduced costs, development efforts and time spent on integration for our TSPs and our company."

Clarke American has partnered with many of the nation's leading Technology Service Providers within the financial industry who develop and market new account opening platforms for banks and credit unions.

Chris Bryan director of e-Commerce Technology, Clarke American, said, "The new XML version of our online branch check ordering solution will allow our Technology Service Providers the ability to maintain their active frame-set and incorporate Clarke American's check ordering functionality within their environment." Clarke American is currently in the pilot stage of XML integration with plans for a full release during first quarter, 2001.

About Clarke American

Clarke American Checks, Inc., headquartered in San Antonio is the fastest growing provider of checks and related products and services in the United States. Since 1975, Clarke American has helped credit unions increase member satisfaction, reduce operating costs, gain primary financial institution status and streamline the check ordering process. Producing more than 10 billion checks per year, Clarke American has an unmatched 99.92 percent printing accuracy rate in the industry.

Clarke American's unique services include InTouch(R) Messaging and ServiceLine Plus(SM). InTouch digital printing technology can be used to send a general introduction message about new products and services, announce branch openings or make a targeted offer to a specific member. ServiceLine Plus is a service offered to partnering credit unions, and was developed as part of Clarke American's service innovations to facilitate the check reorder and inquiry process.

For additional information about Clarke American's Credit Union products and services, contact Julie Faulkner, director of Marketing at [phone], write 10931 Laureate Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78249 or email [e-mail]. Visit its Internet sites at http://creditunions.clarkeamerican.com or www.clarkeamerican.com.