Merger announced with SLM Software

Beyond 2000" was the theme at the 1998 Bankline Technology Conference last month at the Mariott Hotel in Overland Park, Kan. The convention focused on new technology, products and services looking forward and beyond the year 2000.

The conference, with guest speakers and breakout sessions, included management decisionmakers from banks across 20 states. The purpose of the convention was to help financial institutions gain a competitive edge into the next millennium.

A golf tournament and a Monte Carlo Night, which included an auction, were also highlights of the conference. Attendees could earn extra bucks attending the breakout sessions.

Among the speakers was Jack McDonald, regional sales manager of Q-Up Systems. He addressed the Internet and how interactive Web sites can be a key marketing tool for the future. QUp creates Web sites to promote a bank's services to their customers.

According to McDonald, Web sites provide a doorway for the bank and gives banks the ability to compete and become successful. Bank information on a Web site allows the bank customer to do everything themselves on the Internet, from apply for a loan to balancing their checkbook.

Other speakers were Jim Maag, executive vice president of the Kansas Bankers Association; representatives from Woodforest National, Houston; John Floyd; president of John M. Floyd Associates; and Steve Onufrey, retail banking marketing executive of IBM.

On Sept. 23, John French, chief executive officer for Bankline Holding Inc., announced the merger of Bankline Inc., Kansas City, with SLM Software, a Toronto-based company.

"The merger between SLM and Bankline means a larger spectrum of products and services to Bankline customers and results in deeper capital resources and expertise for continued growth. The combination of our two organizations doubles our corporate and financial strength," French said.

Bankline, headquartered in Kansas City, supplies client server banking services and imaging technology, while SLM provides electronic transaction management solutions.

The $20-million merger will allow SLM Software immediate entry into the U.S. market, and Bankline Inc. to grow worldwide. Bankline will maintain its autonomy and continue with its current management team.