NORTH AMERICA BYTES

KeyCorp, Cleveland, has licensed software from Mobius Management Systems, Rye, N.Y., to better manage, present and distribute its enterprise content over the Web.

The software and content server package, called ViewDirect, speeds information delivery and improves customer service by providing Internet-based access to documents such as check images and customer statements. The package also includes DocumentDirect for the Internet, which provides browser-based access to ViewDirect content, and EnterpriseIndexing, an organization and storage tool.

ViewDirect will be installed in KeyCorp's corporate data center, and will provide internal users with ingress into seven million computer-generated pages of information and six million check images per day.

"Digitizing information storage, retrieval and delivery is a critical step in our strategic efforts to migrate from paper-based to an electronic environment," said Allyn J. Pytel, senior vice president of Media Output Management for KeyCorp's Banking Services operations. "In addition, this initiative will enable us to enhance the customer experience, improve sales performance, streamline operational processes and leverage the Internet as a delivery channel."

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CorpStar Federal Credit Union, Sioux Falls, N.D., is using software from Information Technology Inc. (ITI), Lincoln, Neb., to add account processing capabilities to its data center.

CorpStar currently provides correspondent and item processing services to its member institutions. The credit union will use ITI's Premier II software packages, which consists of an extensive line of accounting, management information and electronic delivery systems, to better process accounts.

"Much of the credit union software currently available does not accommodate corporate relationships," said William Wood, CEO, CorpStar Federal Credit Union. "We chose ITI to take us into the future based on their experience at the corporate level, the tight integration of their software, and the many different solutions they offer."

ITI is a subsidiary of Brookfield, Wis.-based Fiserv.

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Provident Bank, Baltimore, Md., has selected Aurum Technology, Plano, Texas, to provide image-based item processing and related back office support services.

The agreement calls for Aurum to assume responsibility for Provident's current item processing operation by providing the bank with a high-speed image capture and archive services to electronically procure, process, and archive paper-based transactions such as checks, deposit slips and monthly account statements.

To accomplish these tasks, Aurum will install a new technology platform that will increase efficiencies, improve customer service and develop new electronic products and services that can be marketed to customers.

"Imaging is being embraced by financial institutions of all sizes," said Gary N. Geisel, president and COO, Provident. "Through our relationship with Aurum, we have access to a partner who can help our bank successfully implement imaging to support our business, while at the same time allow us to focus our capital, time and energy on our customers and banking business."

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The National Discount Brokers Corporation (NDB.com), a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AB, has been acquired by Ameritrade Holding Corp., Omaha, Neb.

The transaction, which is slated to close in the fall, cost Ameritrade $154 million in common stock.

NDB.com provides Ameritrade with 316,000 new accounts, $300 million in margin balances, 9,000 trades per day and $67 million in additional revenue.

"NBD.com's clients are winners in this transaction," said Mayo Shattuck, CEO of Deutsche Ban's Private Client and Asset Management Division in the Americas. "They will benefit from the value, service and ease-of-use that we have always admired about Ameritrade. Deutsche Bank will continue to focus on our strategy to further build on the strong position of NDB Capital Markets Group."

"This acquisition reflects our aggressive focus on growth and profitability," said Joe Moglia, CEO of Ameritrade Holding Corp. "By maximizing our operating leverage, we expect to increase our commission revenue, net interest revenue and operating margins, and move toward our goal of being a market leader in every client segment we serve."

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Target Corporation, the fourth-largest general merchandise retailer in the U.S., has signed a deal with France-based Gemplus International to provide smart cards and in-home readers for Target's Visa card launch, which will take place in the fall.

Target will also issue smart cards through its Retailers National Bank affiliate and install point of sale terminals that accept chip card payment in all stores by 2002.

"Smart card technology creates opportunities for Target to strengthen our relationship with our guests by providing greater convenience, increased value and extended rewards programs," said Jerry Storch, vice chairman of Target Corp. "We are pleased to work with Gemplus to continue to bring creative and exciting experiences to our guests."