As part of the five-year maintenance agreement, First Citizens, a client since 1991, will upgrade its Profile implementation to the latest release, version 6.2. This will allow the bank to take full advantage of the latest functionality and web-based technology, enabling it to become a more customer- focused organization.

Profile is a real-time, multicurrency deposit and loan core banking system. It delivers a customer-centric experience by implementing a single integrated database that includes all customer, banking, product, and account information. Loan and deposit product features are supported by an extensive inventory of dynamically configurable components that are shared across all banking lines of business. Profile supports more than 400 institutions spanning 16 countries, ranging from de-novo start-ups to top-tier global banks. The upgrade project at First Citizens Bank will also include a services contract to port the operating system to IBM POWER system configured with AIX5L.

"We are very happy to renew our agreement with FIS," said Larry Howai, Chief Executive Officer for First Citizens Bank. "Profile's broad functionality has provided our bank with a highly flexible and scalable solution truly centered on the customer, and upgrading our current implementation will strengthen our competitive position and allow us to maximize our customer satisfaction levels."

In conjunction with the upgrade project, First Citizens plans to introduce Profile's web-based technology in its branches in order to further enhance and improve customer service. Profile Direct is a component-based, J2EE thin client servicing solution embracing Open Source technologies tailored to support Internet, call center and branch operations. First Citizens Bank will open a new, state-of-the-art branch at Movietowne in North Trinidad, utilizing the skills of FIS consultants from Europe and the U.S. Profile Direct will interface with the center's cash dispensing machines and support the center's operations.

Howai added, "The opening of the new Movietowne Financial Center will mark an exciting stage in our strategic partnership with FIS and we look forward to the progress of this new project as our presence in Trinidad and Tobago grows."

"As one of the most progressive financial institutions in Trinidad and Tobago, First Citizens is known for its forward-thinking vision, technology innovation and operational efficiency," said Prakash Jalihal, Managing Director for the Latin America & Caribbean region, FIS. "Choosing to continue our successful relationship and take advantage of additional components offered in our solution suite, will support the bank's goal of transforming itself into a truly customer-centric organization and achieving its mission to become the most competitive financial group in Trinidad and Tobago."

Separately, Fidelity National Information Services today announced the launch of Fidelity National Real Estate Solutions' RatePlug offering, an add-on tool that integrates dynamic, real-time mortgage product, rate and payment information directly into broker and agent Web sites and MLS platforms. Georgia MLS is the first organization to incorporate this solution into its MLS system, enabling its members to heighten their homebuyers' experience by providing instant, property-specific mortgage payment and qualification information.

With RatePlug, Georgia MLS members will receive real-time mortgage information for every property listed in their MLS system through direct integrations with lender data feeds. The MLS members are able to access a wide variety of lending data from up to three mortgage lenders of their choice. This information includes estimated monthly principle and interest amounts based on real-time interest rates, property taxes, insurance, assessments, private mortgage insurance and total payment information, as well as the estimated income required for that lender's loan offering. By using data received from multiple lenders, members are able to create buyer-specific mortgage comparisons and reconfigure this information, as needed.

"We are excited about teaming up with Fidelity National Real Estate Solutions to provide our members with real-time mortgage rate and payment information to help enhance their relationships with potential homebuyers," said Richard Boone, Association Executive of Georgia MLS. "RatePlug enables our members to provide more complete online resources for potential homebuyers, which increases customer interaction, resulting in higher lead capture rates."

RatePlug can be made available to MLS member brokers and agents through any MLS system, including Fidelity National Real Estate Solutions' Paragon v3.0, Paragon XL, and RE/Xplorer MLS platforms. RatePlug may also be integrated directly into broker and agent Web sites.

"Fidelity is pleased to have launched our RatePlug solution for Georgia MLS, one of our valued, long-term clients," said Beverly Faull, SVP and General Manager of Fidelity National MLS Systems and Solutions. "By integrating RatePlug into their MLS systems, they can now strengthen their overall customer experience by quickly providing valuable and unparalleled mortgage rate and payment information. We look forward to delivering this unique solution to MLS organizations, brokers and agents nationwide."