FERNDALE, Mich., May 31, 2001 - Diversified Data & Communications, a data management and distribution provider, has entered into a seven-year agreement with Pitney Bowes to provide document production and mail management services through its Ferndale, Mich., facility. Via its Management Services Division (PBMS), Pitney Bowes will produce and distribute millions of business documents, including statements, invoices and direct marketing pieces, every month for customers of Diversified Data & Communications. PBMS will operate out of Diversified's existing print-and-mail facility, which currently processes 12-15 million pieces of mail per month. The Pitney Bowes customer service management team will oversee the day-to-day delivery of production services and operations and oversee an augmented staff, including 10 inserter operators. Ideal for companies producing 100,000 to 150,000 pieces of mail per month - a typical middle-market application volume- the new service bureau is the first of its kind in Michigan, and represents the first such agreement that Pitney Bowes has entered into with any of its partners nationwide. The service bureau will also serve as a back-up facility or overflow resource for area companies distributing extremely large volumes of mail per month. To help produce the millions of monthly documents, Pitney Bowes will install six Pitney Bowes 8-Series Inserters (capable of producing over six million pieces per month). Each of the inserters will be outfitted with customer features that include; single cycle envelope feeders for up to six by twelve inch envelopes; OMR scanning capability; and envelope edge marker to identify zip changes. In addition, Pitney Bowes will provide 11 postage meters enabled with its Postage By Phone payment system to handle the nearly $13.5 million of monthly postage. "We chose Pitney Bowes, the recognized leader in mail and document management, because of its ability to offer a scalable solution to suit a wide range of mail processing needs, while allowing us to maintain a high level of quality control, " stated Jason Bierkle, Diversified general manager. "The combination of management expertise and superior technology offered by Pitney Bowes Management Services will enable us to provide greater value, speed, and expanded services for our growing customer base." "Companies today are having increased demand for sophisticated mail distribution services," added Bierkle. "This partnership now represents a viable alternative to investing significant capital in state-of-the-art equipment and in-house human resources to manage the process." "We built our service offerings to allow our customers and clients to focus on growing their business and focus on their clients and customers. Pitney Bowes Management Services has a history and commitment for developing win/win solutions. We are excited about our new relationship with Diversified Data & Communications," stated Dori Abel, vice president, Marketing, Pitney Bowes Management Services. Pitney Bowes Management Services will also work with Diversified Data and Communications to improve operational efficiencies and identify any cost savings that may be found in private mail, carrier and delivery charges, postage, presort courier services, labor, facility costs, and expenses and general services. Founded in 1971, Diversified Data & Communications is a Ferndale, Mich.-based provider of integrated data management and communication distribution solutions. With a nearly 30-year history in providing print and mail services to companies locally and across the nation, Diversified has now integrated electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) services into its total solution. The company's roster of services includes data capture and imaging, custom programming and processing, online document archiving and retrieval, print and mail services, EBPP services, broadcast fax and e-mail services, and broadcast voice message services.