Webster Forms Strategic Alliance With Princeton eCom

Aug 22, 2000

WATERBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2000--Webster Bank has formed a strategic alliance with an e-commerce company that will greatly improve electronic bill paying for its online services customers.

Webster Bank, a provider of diversified financial services, and Princeton eCom, a leading provider of electronic bill presentment and payment services, today announced a strategic alliance that will allow Webster to develop faster and easier ways for online customers to pay their bills electronically.

"For those who choose the convenience of home banking via the Internet, this strategic alliance with Princeton eCom will allow Webster to greatly enhance its electronic bill paying offerings," said Fran Duggan, senior vice president, Internet Development. "Our core strategy is to continue to bring the best of the Web to our customers."

"Banks like Webster recognize the growing importance of offering customers an alternative to traditional paper bill payments and are seeking cost-effective and flexible solutions to their customers' demand for online banking," said Ronald W. Averett, president and COO of Princeton eCom. "We're very pleased to be working with Webster to develop online billing services that add the power of the Internet to the strong relationships Webster Bank enjoys with its customers."

About Princeton eCom

Princeton eCom, the first company to present a bill on the Internet, is a leading provider of electronic billing and payment services to more than 650 corporations and financial institutions including Ameritech, Verizon Wireless, Cellular One, and Cinergy Corp.

Princeton eCom enables businesses to present consumer bills and business invoices on the Internet and it provides consumers and businesses with the ability to access and pay those bills online, over the phone, or using a wireless digital device. It also provides electronic payment processing services to banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Princeton eCom's range of services include electronic lockbox, electronic collection, and electronic credit card balance transfer services as well as customer care and customer service programs.

The company has built a comprehensive bill distribution network through strategic alliances with banks, credit unions, home banking software providers, networks like MasterCard RPPS, and web portals.

About Webster Bank

Connecticut-based Webster Bank provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, insurance, trust and investment services through more than 110 banking offices, 200 ATMs and the Internet (www.websterbank.com). Webster's online mortgage subsidiary at www.nowlending.com on the Worldwide Web originates low-cost mortgages across the United States.

CONTACT:
Webster Bank
Jim Kalach, 203/578-2461
jkalach@websterbank.com
or
Princeton eCom
Tom Healey, 609/606-3104
thealey@princetonecom.com