Compass Bank Adds Two Sterling Commerce Software Products to Help Maximize Check Image Usage.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

ADDISON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2003

Sterling Commerce's Banking Systems Division, a subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and a worldwide leading provider of banking transaction applications, has announced that Compass Bank has licensed its VECTOR Returns Solution and VECTOR Exceptions Solution, in order to leverage the bank's use of check images and increase the efficiency of its check processing operations. Previously, the bank had licensed Sterling Commerce's VECTOR:Five system for both incoming and outgoing return item processing.

The VECTOR Returns Solution is the complete solution for processing incoming returns. It is designed to help automate workflow and reduce manual steps significantly in order to meet customer demand for more information on returns, delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the solution helps reduce bank risk and losses, while creating dynamic revenue opportunities with new services and fee structures.

Compass Bank is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a Sunbelt-based financial holding company with $23.5 billion in assets and 343 full-service banking offices in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas.

"Recently, after deploying our image capture and image archive solution," said Stephen R. Madura, Compass Bank executive vice president, "we determined a need for leveraging the use of check images in our day-two operation. One of our key objectives was to implement a paperless process once the image was captured and, again, Sterling Commerce had the solution."

The VECTOR Exceptions Solution streamlines and automates virtually every process related to exceptions, including pay/return decisions, bank of first deposit (BOFD) input, the handling of physical items and power encoding. The solution allows banks to correct and repost unlocated accounts - all within a single system. Both paper-based and electronic exception transactions can be processed with the VECTOR Exceptions Solution.

For Compass Bank, the VECTOR Returns and VECTOR Exceptions solutions will be implemented to streamline processes involving images and provide additional automation features that will create higher levels of productivity, new revenue opportunities, and improved customer service levels.

The VECTOR Returns and VECTOR Exceptions solutions, once deployed, also will empower Compass Bank's branch banking network by creating access to a non-sufficient funds/overdraft (NSF/OD) decision process via an Internet browser. Branch managers, personal bankers and relationship managers will have access to check images, giving them better information for decision making and enhanced customer service. The two VECTOR solutions will integrate with the bank's image archive and other legacy systems to provide a seamless process between day-one and day-two operations.

"Legislation is beginning to move toward acceptance of check images versus paper," said Madura. "The VECTOR Returns and VECTOR Exceptions solutions will help position Compass Bank as a leader in the move to image exchange of checks. In fact, we envision a future in which all relevant information - such as exceptions, returns and adjustments - is maintained and shared electronically."

"We are very pleased to have the continued support of our customers as we help advance the banking industry in their quest for higher productivity and lower operating costs through the use our image capture and image enabled financial transaction processing solutions," said Sydney Smith Hicks, president of Sterling Commerce's Banking Systems Division.

Sterling Commerce is one of the world's largest providers of business-to-business commerce solutions. For Global 5000 companies and their customers, suppliers and partners, Sterling Commerce software and services help maximize business performance and improve business metrics through integration of applications, external partner systems and people. With more than 30 years of experience serving tens of thousands of customers in a vast range of industries, Sterling Commerce is a recognized pioneer in business-to-business commerce through its longstanding expertise in EDI. The company's Banking Systems Division provides financial transaction processing, currency control, reconciliation, and e-commerce solutions for financial institutions and their customers, around the world. Today, as customers explore new ways to improve business performance via the Internet, Sterling Commerce continues to innovate its software and services to further the global adoption of e-commerce while offering its customers strategic solutions that leverage existing technology. For more information, visit www.sterlingcommerce.com.

SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is one of the world's leading data, voice and Internet services providers. Through its world-class network and its subsidiaries' trusted brands - SBC Southwestern Bell, SBC Ameritech, SBC Pacific Bell, SBC Nevada Bell, SBC SNET and Sterling Commerce - SBC companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 27 company, America's leading provider of high-speed DSL Internet Access services, and one of the nation's leading Internet Service Providers, SBC companies currently serve nearly 60 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC owns 60 percent of America's second largest wireless company -- Cingular Wireless -- which serves more than 21 million wireless customers. Internationally, SBC has telecommunications investments in 28 countries.

Compass Bank is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a Sunbelt-based financial holding company with $23.5 billion in assets and 343 full-service banking offices. Compass is among the top 40 U.S. bank holding companies by asset size and ranks among the top earners of its size based on return on equity. The company's earnings per share have increased for 14 consecutive years and dividends per share have increased for 21 consecutive years. Shares of Compass' common stock are traded through the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol CBSS.

All products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.