Two NetPrecision Clients Ranked Among Nation's Top Internet Banks by Gomez Advisors

Business Wire, Jan 13, 1999

CLEVELAND and AMARILLO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 1999--

Ohio Savings Bank, Amarillo National Bank Achieve High Overall and

"Ease of Use" Rankings on Quarterly Industry Scorecard

Proving once again that the Internet provides a "level playing field" where community banks can compete with national institutions, Ohio Savings Bank and Amarillo National Bank are among the top 20 Internet banks in the United States, according to a prestigious national ranking.

Ohio Savings Bank ranked 14th and Amarillo National Bank ranked 20th overall in the fourth quarter Internet Banker Scorecard compiled by Gomez Advisors. The two community banks, whose Web sites operate on First Data Direct Banking's NetPrecision platform, have climbed steadily up the scorecard since it was introduced in early 1998.

In individual categories, the two banks made their best showings in "Ease of Use," a ranking of particular importance to Internet users. Amarillo National placed 7th on that list, Ohio Savings ranked 9th.

"We are very pleased that our Internet banking program has received such extensive industry recognition," said Darren Jenks, Internet Banking Coordinator for Amarillo National Bank. The $1.1-billion bank -- one of the smallest to be considered for the Gomez scorecard -- was also named "Best Internet Bank Site" by Retail Delivery News, a respected industry newsletter, last month.

This is Amarillo National's second appearance on the Internet Banking Scorecard's top 20 list. "But we're even more gratified that our customers have come to use and appreciate the convenience that Internet banking offers them," Jenks said.

In releasing the fourth-quarter scorecard, Gomez Advisors noted a trend toward improved customer service for Internet banking consumers. "This is good news for consumer adoption," wrote Chris Musto, senior Internet Banking analyst at Gomez Advisors. "Customers are more likely to adopt and make a habit of using the Internet channel when the bank demonstrates its commitment to helping make the transition."

Ohio Savings has proven its commitment to helping customers understand and use its Internet banking service, as evidenced by the bank's 17th-place ranking in customer confidence.

Financial institutions earning top rankings in this area "are financially stable, have Web sites which are highly reliable, provide knowledgeable and accessible customer service organizations, and provide quality and security guarantees," according to the Gomez scorecard.

"We are dedicated to continually providing leading-edge technology that makes banking more accessible and more convenient for our customers," said Lori Gray, systems officer at Ohio Savings Bank.

"The Internet Banking Scorecard is one more industry measure that demonstrates the proficiency and ease of use of our industry-leading NetPrecision Home Banking service," said Randy Kahn, president of First Data Direct Banking.

"We congratulate our clients on these prestigious honors. We're certain there will be more to come as we continue to improve our service in partnership with the more than 70 financial institutions who have chosen the NetPrecision family of Internet financial service products," Kahn added.

Ohio Savings Bank earned six category rankings on the scorecard in addition to the overall score: Ease of Use, 9th place; Customer Confidence, 17th place; best site for Borrowers, 12th place; for Savers, 13th place; and for account Consolidators, 20th place.

Amarillo National Bank earned five rankings in addition to its overall finish, including: Ease of Use, 7th place; Relationship Services, 13th place; Cost, 15th place; and Borrowers, 15th place.

For more information about the Gomez Advisors Internet Banking scorecard, visit www.gomez.com.

About Amarillo National Bank

Amarillo National Bank (www.anb.com), is one of the largest family-owned businesses in the United States. ANB is unique in the Texas panhandle area, having been family-owned and operated for more than 100 years. ANB prides itself in offering the newest products at the best values to its customers, with the focus being on customer service.

ANB remains competitive in a world of mergers and acquisitions by offering what the customer wants -- convenience. ANB has a team of 500 employees serving customers at 11 locations and offering more than 45 ATMs to customers in the Amarillo area. The bank values long-term relationships with customers and is committed to the growth of the Amarillo community.

ANB developed its Web site in partnership with Texas Independent Bank and First Data Direct Banking, a Los Angeles-based provider of outsourced Internet solutions for financial institutions.

About Ohio Savings Bank

Ohio Savings Bank is a 108-year-old institution with headquarters in Cleveland. The $5.8-billion bank operates 35 branches in the Cleveland area and 10 in south Florida through a subsidiary.

Ohio Savings Bank was the pilot bank for First Data Direct Banking's NetPrecision Internet banking service. The bank launched its transactional Web site in September 1997.