IBM Software, Hardware and Services Deliver Business Intelligence Capabilities to Streamline Tax Collections

SOMERS, NY--Dec 17, 2001--IBM today announced the State of California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is building its next-generation technology infrastructure on IBM hardware, software and services to improve its tax collection system and provide enhanced customer service offerings on the Internet.

IBM technology enables the FTB to improve tax collection by generating business intelligence for its Integrated Non-Filer Compliance (INC) Project. The INC system mines a four-terabyte data warehouse powered by IBM DB2 Universal Database and WebSphere e-infrastructure software running on an IBM SP Supercomputer and IBM Shark Enterprise Storage Server.

The system is designed to generate business intelligence from more than 220 million pieces of individual tax information such as W2 and 1099 forms in an effort to identify non-filers and provide them with detailed information on how to become tax compliant.

In addition to improving its non-filer tax collection system, the FTB has expanded its self-service options to the Web. Based on IBM's DB2 database and WebSphere e-infrastructure software, the new Web site at www.ftb.ca.gov/inc enables tax payers to obtain forms, request additional time to file, obtain more information on filing requirements or tell the FTB they have already filed a return.

"IBM was the only company that provided the depth and breadth of expertise in systems integration and data warehousing, coupled with Java and Web technologies, required to develop this break-through tax compliance application," said Kathleen Connell, controller and chair of the Franchise Tax Board. "Our new e-business infrastructure has allowed us to dramatically increase the efficiency of the FTB and the fairness of our tax system by identifying more non-filers and streamlining contact with taxpayers."

The FTB administers two of California's major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and Bank and Corporation Tax. These programs generate approximately $50 billion annually, more than 65% of California's annual General Fund revenue.

About IBM DB2 Universal Database
As the foundation for e-business, DB2 Universal Database is the industry's first multimedia, Web-ready relational database management system, strong enough to meet the demands of large corporations and flexible enough to serve medium-sized and small e-businesses. DB2 Universal Database combines integrated power for business intelligence, content management, enterprise information portals and e-business with industry-leading performance and reliability to drive the most demanding industry solutions. DB2 Universal Database together with Internet technology makes information easily accessible, available and secure. There are more than 60 million DB2 users from over 300,000 companies worldwide relying on IBM data management solutions. For more information please visit www.software.ibm.com/data.

contact: Sean Tetpon, IBM Media Relations, (404) 238-5104, stetpon@us.ibm.com.