DST Vision Increases 529 Distribution
Capabilities with Search529

Largest repository of 529 accounts combined with robust sales tools for financial advisors

KANSAS CITY, MO., February 2, 2004 – DST Vision™, the leading account management Web site for financial intermediaries, has expanded its 529 plan servicing capabilities. In addition to providing access to customer account information in 35 529 plans, Vision now provides seamless access to the industry’s foremost 529 resource provider, Search529^®. This move solidifies Vision’s^® position as the leading 529 resource for advisors.

Search529, a product of PlanAnalytics, Inc., is a comprehensive research and 529 plan distribution tool specifically designed to meet the needs of financial advisors. With Search529, Vision users can perform research and compare plan expenses and performance data for all 529 plans; download pre-completed enrollment forms and sales materials; and develop presentation materials. In addition, Search529 offers updated compliance information, industry background and illustration calculators.

Unlike other subscription-based services that charge a fee to the advisor, the Search529 service is funded by plan managers and is available to advisors at no cost. Search401k^®, another product from PlanAnalytics available through Vision since July 2002, provides advisors a similar mechanism for researching and selling 401(k) plans.

Vision is now an all-inclusive resource for the sale and servicing of 529 plan accounts. From new account establishment to real-time transaction processing and online statement retrieval, the cycle is complete. Search529 complements Vision’s existing 529 Resource Center, available since early 2002.

“Through this relationship, the tens of thousands of financial advisors that utilize Vision each day will be introduced to the powerful selling tools available within Search529,” said Ken Keiser, who manages Vision’s Alliance Program. “In keeping with Vision’s primary focus, the new integrated servicing platform supports the efforts of fund companies to increase 529 plan assets while decreasing servicing costs.”

"This partnership offers us a turnkey solution for 529 sales,” said Bill Raynor, Vice President and Director of Education Savings and Sales for AIM Investments. “It streamlines our proposal process, improves our productivity and increases our ability to collect assets. These efficiencies empower us to offer advisors the highest level of support and service."

"Whether servicing individual investors or corporations, advisors will find this streamlined approach ideal,” said Tom Plumb, president and CEO of Search529. “We are thrilled to be working with Vision because of its commitment to serving the needs of advisors and the investment management community."

Introduced in 1998, DST Vision™ is designed to give independent advisors an easy-to-use, one-stop information source for customer positions held directly with fund families and variable annuity providers. With a single ID and password, advisors have access to account management tools including transaction processing capabilities, customizable client portfolios, and access to electronic statements. A majority of third-party-distributed mutual funds, representing more than 93 million accounts, and over half of the leading variable annuity providers participate in Vision, including industry giants AllianceBernstein, AIM Investments, American Funds, MFS Investment Management, Nationwide Financial, OppenheimerFunds, Inc., and Pacific Life. Vision is continually enhanced to simplify account management and serve the evolving needs of financial intermediaries. Visit Vision at www.dstvision.com.

DST Systems, Inc. [NYSE: DST] provides sophisticated information processing and computer software services and products that help clients improve productivity, increase efficiencies, and provide higher levels of customer service. DST is organized domestically and internationally into three operating segments: Financial Services, Customer Management, and Output Solutions. DST operates one of the most advanced data centers in the world, which provides information-processing services to support the products within each operating segment. These products are further enhanced through the integration of DST’s advanced technology and e-commerce solutions.

PlanAnalytics, Inc. delivers sales and servicing tools to financial advisors, financial advisor groups and product suppliers. The company focuses on e-distribution as a key strategy to provide products and services to financial advisors that simplify and streamline the marketing, sales and procurement processes for benefits, investment and other advisor-sold products. For advisor groups, these products and services provide enhanced management and marketing tools to maximize product sales within the advisor group's organization. For product suppliers, the company offers a cost-effective extension of existing distribution channels and can be a valuable marketing research tool.

* * * *

The information and comments above may include forward-looking statements respecting DST and its businesses. Such information and comments are based on DST's views as of today, and actual results could differ. There could be a number of factors affecting future results, including those set forth in Form 8-K/A dated March 17, 2003 filed by DST with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking comment. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect future events.

To learn more about DST Press Releases, contact us at  ctgoldman@dstsystems.com