United Systems Provides Seamless Appraisal Interface for Calyx POINT Via the EDI Appraisal Network; Users of Mortgage Origination Program Get Easy Access to Appraisals

Business Wire, May 21, 1999

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 1999--

United Systems Software Inc. (UNITED) announced the successful interface of its AppraisaLINK(R) mortgage appraisal system software with Calyx Software's POINT(R) software. POINT is a multipurpose prequalification, origination, processing, and management application. The interface enables the 75,000 Calyx users to seamlessly launch an appraisal request through Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter from any open POINT file.

Traditionally, appraisers have often prolonged the loan closing process due to the significant amount of manual paperwork and delivery. AppraisaLINK's online solution cuts in half the time it takes to receive an appraisal. It eliminates the time consuming delays in photo development, copying, collating, packaging and delivery. AppraisaLINK's data entry interface operates within existing systems and requires no peripheral hardware. UNITED partnered with EDI Appraisal Network to take responsibility for the implementation and training of Calyx users and their appraisers as well as manage the "electronic pipeline" they set up between the mortgage companies and appraisers.

Calyx users can electronically request an appraisal at the click of a button. An AppraisaLINK menu option takes the order, launches the request to their EDI enabled appraiser, and fills out the order form instantaneously resulting in a complete order delivered to the appraiser via the Internet. If the Calyx user does not have AppraisaLINK, EDI Appraisal Network will purchase the module for both the appraiser and mortgage company.

"UNITED's new AppraisaLINK incorporates 32-bit architecture, taking full advantage of our new interface features in POINT 3.5," said Jack Trageser, Director of Marketing at Calyx Software. "We think AppraisaLINK will be a valuable asset for our customers who are already on the Internet and looking for new ways to expedite business online."

"This electronic link makes it easier for the POINT user to connect with its appraisers," said UNITED's president, Michael Schafer. "Appraisers are willing to use an online solution; they just need to know that lenders are serious about adapting to the technology. Mortgage companies need to take the first step into the technology and appraisers will follow. The EDI Appraisal Network will also absorb the cost of training to make the transition easier for the mortgage companies and appraisers.

"We wanted to make the connection as seamless and as integrated as possible. With AppraisaLINK, the POINT user doesn't have to get out of the software, export the information to another file, then re-enter it. All they have to do is point and click, which they love," said Schafer.

According to Calyx and UNITED officials, by eliminating re-entry, the new interface minimizes the chance of human error from transposing numbers, misspelled names, etc. The electronic link also makes the process faster and can be used on laptop as well as desktop computers. Fast appraisals are critical in today's increasingly competitive mortgage market. With laptop lending and on-line appraisals becoming more commonplace, the scalability of the interface with the Calyx POINT(R) system is also critical.

POINT follows all the standard secondary market forms and governmental regulations regarding processing conventional and government mortgage loans. More than 15,000 mortgage companies in all 50 states use POINT to market loans, pre-qualify borrowers, process applications, track documents, generate reports, and manage their businesses.

About Calyx Software

Calyx Software is a technology company specializing in data processing for the financial services industry. Calyx is the nation's leading provider of Windows-based software for mortgage industry professionals. Its flagship software, POINT, is used by more than 15,000 companies to originate and process mortgage loan applications.

Mortgage brokers and lenders use POINT to market loans, pre-qualify borrowers, process applications, track documents, generate reports, and manage their businesses.

For further information about Calyx, contact Calyx Software at 800/362-2599, or visit their web site at www.calyxsoftware.com.

About United Systems Software Inc.

With over 15,000 appraisers nationally, United Systems Software Inc. has served the needs of the appraisal industry since 1982. UNITED was the first mortgage software company to sign an agreement with Fannie Mae for on-line appraisals via the Internet. Its flagship software, AppraisaLINK, is used by over 15 percent of appraisers in the nation.

For more information about United Systems Software Inc., contact Michael Schafer, president, at 602/449-2600, write UNITED at 617 South Rockford Drive, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ 85281, or visit their web site at www.unitedsystems.com.