TSYS Assumes Leadership in Smart Card Arena

Joins GlobalPlatform to Influence and Direct Smart Card Standards

Columbus, Ga., February 9, 2000 – To demonstrate its commitment to emerging technology, Total System Services, Inc.® (TSYS®) (NYSE: "TSS") has joined GlobalPlatform, a cross-industry membership organization created to advance standards for smart card growth. TSYS is a member of the systems infrastructure and business committees.

"The world is continually transforming into a place where multiple applications on a single card will become the norm for providing access to valuable services. This evolution begins with smart card technology, and TSYS will be on the forefront of developing and setting the standard by which the rest of the industry follows," said Philip W. Tomlinson, TSYS president.

"By joining GlobalPlatform, TSYS is able to strengthen existing relationships, while creating new ones. We are pleased to play a part in setting the strategic vision for GlobalPlatform and all industries involved," Tomlinson continued.

"As the smart card industry and multi-application support continue to mature, TSYS will be able to offer its current and future client base the best in class secure transaction processing," said Richard Cogar, TSYS project manager, smart card technologies.

"GlobalPlatform’s Business Committee presents an opportunity for TSYS to provide influence and direction into the marketing and intellectual properties of smart cards through GlobalPlatform specifications. TSYS is also on the Systems Infrastructure Committee, where TSYS will assist in the development and influence of the back-office systems needed to support application and card management," continued Cogar.

"We are delighted to have TSYS participate in the standards development efforts of GlobalPlatform," said Steve Brown, head of smart cards at British Telecommunications plc (BT) and chairman of GlobalPlatform. "The tremendous potential of multiple application smart cards will only be realized through cross-industry cooperation by leading global organizations."

By joining GlobalPlatform, TSYS:

  • Provides a voice for companies in the development of the Open Platform multiple application smart card technology standards;
  • Influences future versions of the Open Platform standard to provide consistency with the strategic direction defined for smart cards;
  • Establishes working relationships with potential partners that provide complementary services to products; and
  • Learns by interacting with other industry experts that may have new perspectives on the business.

About GlobalPlatform

GlobalPlatform is a cross-industry membership organization created to advance standards for smart card growth. It combines the interests of smart card issuers, vendors, industry groups, public entities, and technology suppliers to define requirements and technology standards for multiple application smart cards. GlobalPlatform also develops conventions to allow for application loading, key management and personalization. The infrastructure provided by GlobalPlatform will enable issuers from a variety of industries to deploy applications through various channels. Further information about GlobalPlatform is available at www.globalplatform.org.

About TSYS

TSYS provides the electronic payment link between buyers and sellers. With more than 207.9 million accounts on file, TSYS makes it possible for 291 million consumers to use their credit, debit, commercial and retail cards any time, anywhere and through any medium or portal. Our sophisticated systems collect and retain more transaction detail data per account than any other company. We return that information to our clients in a meaningful way so they can better serve every customer and make wiser commerce decisions. Our services allow our clients to focus on building their brands while we focus on safety, security, ease and convenience. Based in Columbus, Ga., TSYS (www.totalsystem.com) (NYSE: "TSS") is an 80.8-percent-owned subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE: "SNV") (www.synovus.com), No. 5 on FORTUNE magazine’s list of "The 100 Best Companies To Work For" in 2000.

Contacts:
 Danita Gibson-Lloyd
Corporate Communications Manager
ph. (706)649-5578
dglloyd@totalsystem.com

Rebecca Stringer
Corporate Communications Specialist
ph. (706) 649-7193
rstringe@totalsystem.com