Study Reveals Key Insights for the Document Supplier Industry EDSF Published White Paper Highlights the Document Communications Needs of the Financial Services Industry TORRANCE, Calif., (March 14, 2003) — The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF), the non-profit organization dedicated to the document communication industry, today announced the upcoming availability of it's latest white paper titled: "Reaching Clients through Cross Media Communications: Strategies for Financial Services." The survey was conducted by the Graphic Communications Institute (GrCI) at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, and funded by a grant from EDSF. The resulting paper provides document communications suppliers to the financial services industry with key findings allowing them to better address the needs of potential and existing clients. Seven companies were surveyed, ranging in size from large worldwide enterprises to regional offices. The sample included banks, brokerage firms, and insurance companies and the findings reflect interviews with key management individuals. "While the financial services industry has many unique document communication needs, it also shares some common requirements found within other industries,", said James Watson, President of Doculabs, a research and consulting firm, and past Chair of EDSF Research. "EDSF is proud to share these findings with companies that provide document communication services to the financial services industry and is confident that they and their clients will benefit significantly from the results." The study highlights the relationships between communication strategy, segmentation of clients, client value, and communication media. In addition, the study identifies key areas where technology can be deployed to reduce cost while increasing client relationship value. Finally, the study highlights a number of findings that vendors to financial service companies should consider that addresses the requirements of their existing and prospective clients. Key Findings The information gathered through the study revealed the following key findings: All study participants have mature and well-developed communication strategies. Most participants intend to leverage new technology to its fullest extent in the future.   Client segmentation is the key condition influencing communication strategy. Client "value" is the primary means of segmentation. Suppliers who assist with segmentation will prevail.   The choice of communication channel is predominantly determined by client value. In general, the more valuable the client, the greater the desire for direct communication, and the use of multiple communication channels are employed.   Client preferences contribute to the determination of the communication medium of choice. Some clients are comfortable receiving their communications in a traditional media such as printed statements. Other clients may prefer online communications.   Concern over the security of client information is one of the greatest inhibitors to the increased adoption and use of alternative communication channels. The industry expects suppliers to provide new technologies with increased security.   Reducing the cost of client communication is one of the strongest motivations for the increased use of alternative communication channels in five of the participating financial institutions.   Color printing is not important to the institutions studied because of its cost and its limited ability to enhance the value of their core service. Availability EDSF is providing "Reaching Clients through Cross Media Communications" at No Charge. The paper will be available April 3, 2003. To receive your complimentary copy visit www.edsf.org, contact the Foundation at 310-541-1481, or email info@edsf.org or jcmowlds@aol.com.

About EDSF EDSF (www.edsf.org) is dedicated to enhancing the value and relevance of document communications worldwide. EDSF is a catalyst for education and research initiatives that bring the industry together to resolve document communication issues that impact society. EDSF helps the industry and public benefit from paper, electronic and digital documents, which are continually being transformed by emerging technologies. For more information, contact Jeanne Mowlds, EDSF executive director, at +1 310-541-1481, or jcmowlds@aol.com or visit the EDSF website at www.edsf.org