Del Mar Database Signs First Finance, Reaches 250 Client Milestone; Provider of DataTrac Experiences Significant Growth in 2003.

Business Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2004

Despite the downturn in the mortgage industry in the last half of 2003, Del Mar Database continued its rapid expansion with the addition of First Finance, Tempe, Ariz., reaching the 250 client milestone on Dec. 18, 2003. The signing completed a highly successful 2003 for the provider of DataTrac(R), an automated back-office processing solution for growing mortgage lenders.

First Finance has a net-affiliate branch network with 21 locations throughout the United States and, according to First Finance officials, the firm needed to increase backroom efficiencies and add greater management controls and visibility. First Finance chose DataTrac in part because of its quick implementation timeframe, and after an implementation period of approximately two weeks the firm was sending loans through the system.

DataTrac's ability to generate specific reports, including month-end and pipeline reports, along with the ability for outlying branches to view pipelines, correspond with the corporate office and lock in rates without having to pick up the phone were cited as key benefits already seen from the solution.

"I read the efficiency studies about DataTrac and at first I didn't believe them, but now I do," said Jeffrey Killian, chief operating officer with First Finance. "We're in an expansion mode and DataTrac has given us the ability to take on new and additional branches without having to increase staff. We're able to effortlessly handle the new pipeline coming in without adding any more people."

During a period when many technology vendors experienced negative or slow growth, Del Mar Database continued to add clients and deliver more solutions to existing clients. Lenders in 34 states have implemented DataTrac, and with Del Mar Database's launch of a nationwide sales force in 2003, the firm anticipates greater penetration in every region in 2004.

"We've been more successful than other companies in our industry for two reasons," said John Walsh, president of Del Mar Database. "First, our core product, DataTrac, provides a proven return on investment (ROI) for lenders. We've had this ROI vetted by an independent third party (MORTECH, LLC) and for our average customer, the improvement in efficiency was more than 60 percent. Second, DataTrac is unique because it doesn't require a lender to replace its existing software solutions. Rather, it improves the ability of these systems to work together. The end result is a quicker implementation and much lower total cost of ownership."

According to Del Mar Database, lenders implementing DataTrac do not experience the challenges, delays and frustration that are common with alternative solutions in large part because of its proprietary implementation process. The average DataTrac implementation requires fewer than 45 days, with lenders realizing initial returns on investment within two months.

"The implementation team was very well trained and knowledgeable and really were the key to getting us up and using DataTrac so quickly," continued First Finance's Killian. "They really knew the system inside and out and have made our implementation and training a success."

"2003 was a great year for DataTrac primarily because lenders were at capacity and couldn't afford a six- to nine-month software implementation," continued Walsh. "We expect 2004 to be even better because lenders will have increased pressure on their margins and will want a cost-effective, low-risk, proven solution."

Del Mar Database provides flexible technology that measurably improves lenders' business processes. Its flagship software, DataTrac, leverages a lender's existing mortgage applications to increase profitability through workflow efficiencies and business intelligence. The software reduces duplicate data entry and adds several layers of security that protect the integrity of loan information throughout the entire process.

About Del Mar Database

San Diego-based Del Mar Database introduces new technologies to lenders of all sizes that leverage their existing tools to improve efficiencies, increase profitability and increase pipeline capacity. The firm's proprietary software solution, DataTrac(R), enables lenders to reduce costs, generate greater profits per loan, minimize errors using business intelligence and fund more loans with fewer people. Founded in 1991, the firm's clients include mortgage lenders, brokers becoming lenders, credit unions and community banks.

For more information, visit www.delmardb.com.