STAMFORD, Conn., May 7, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) has signed a multi-year agreement with Aetna (NYSE: AET) to provide the insurance leader with integrated high-volume mail creation and processing solutions. Through this agreement, Pitney Bowes will provide services and expertise that will contribute to reductions in Aetna's operating costs for their document production.

Pitney Bowes will re-engineer print and mail applications and provide an integrated operating environment for the hard copy and digital presentment of checks and Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The introduction of solutions such as StreamWeaver(R) and SiteView(TM) will enhance and strengthen Aetna's ability to protect and ensure the integrity and security of customer information. At the core of each of these solutions are robust tracking features that ensure the accuracy of each message delivered to the consumer, and available online metrics that promote efficiency and control of the process.

Pitney Bowes will employ a world-class 60,000 sq. foot communication center in Windsor, Conn. for Aetna's print and distribution services. The communication center will produce over 505 million images and 186 million mail pieces annually. This includes: equipment acquisition; high volume mail processing software and technology; inserters from Pitney Bowes Document Factory Solutions; paperless presentment options; and integration of high value software solutions from Pitney Bowes docSense.

In addition, Pitney Bowes, through its Business Recovery Services (BRS) division, will provide backup capacity for the production of Aetna's mission critical documents. BRS will provide redundant, offsite backup of all production equipment. Pitney Bowes and Aetna will test the entire backup system at least twice per year.

"This is an important example of how Pitney Bowes can leverage its entire portfolio of products and services to create savings and efficiencies for businesses," stated Karen Garrison, president, Pitney Bowes Management Services. "Our unique ability to help companies produce and deliver more effective mission critical communications in BOTH hard copy and digital form, not only brings efficiencies and cost savings, but ultimately leads to a more fulfilling experience for our clients' customers."

About Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes Inc. is a $4 billion global provider of integrated mail and document management solutions headquartered in Stamford, Conn. More information about Pitney Bowes is available at http://www.pb.com or by calling 1-888-245-PBMS.

     Contact:   Christopher Tessier
                Manager, Public Relations
                203-351-7210
                Christopher.Tessier@pb.com
                http://www.pb.com

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SOURCE Pitney Bowes Inc.

CONTACT:          Christopher Tessier, Manager, Public Relations of Pitney Bowes
                  Inc., +1-203-351-7210 or Christopher.Tessier@pb.com 

URL:              http://www.pb.com 
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