Putnam [see profile] is now linking its shareholders' smartphones to their quarterly statements. Today the Boston-based mutual fund firm unveiled what it claims is the industry's first use of the phone codes (traditionally used by by advertisers to give smartphone users extra information beyond the poster) inside of shareholders' statements. Investors can simply scan their code and find out more.

The new codes are readable on Android phones, BlackBerrys, iPhones, and Windows phones.

"The new codes are another highly effective way for Putnam to stay in close regular contact with its customers," stated Michael Woodall, head of mutual fund shareholder services.

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Company Press Release

BOSTON, September 7, 2011 – Putnam Investments, long recognized for its commitment to customer service excellence, today announced that it has become the first mutual fund company to enable shareholders to access its Web content simply by scanning a code on their quarterly statements with a smart phone. The new codes were introduced in conjunction with delivery of Putnam’s second-quarter 2011 statements to shareholders whose advisors maintain their customer accounts on the Putnam record-keeping system.

When shareholders use their smart phone to scan the code on the front of their statements, it automatically takes them to key sections of Putnam’s Web site, including its “Manager Insights” section (https://www.putnam.com/insights), where they can obtain access to expert commentary from Putnam’s investment professionals on economic and market topics that potentially could affect their mutual funds.

“Investors, like most Americans, increasingly rely on their smart phones to access the information they need,” said Michael Woodall, Head of Mutual Fund Shareholder Services, Putnam Investments. “We are committed to enabling our shareholders to access timely, relevant information through every means possible. The new codes are another highly effective way for Putnam to stay in close regular contact with its customers.”

By introducing this feature to shareholder statements, Putnam has integrated the traditional paper version of shareholder statements with highly contemporary Web tools and resources. This feature helps shareholders augment the information in their quarterly statements with content available at the Putnam Web site.

This feature will seek to encourage shareholders to adopt environmentally-friendly and cost-effective electronic delivery of future quarterly statements, providing faster, more streamlined access to their account information.

Putnam uses Microsoft Tag Reader that can be used on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, Andoid, Windows Phone 7, and BlackBerry. Microsoft Tag Reader can be downloaded at http://www.gettag.mobi/.

Putnam Investments has introduced advanced technologies for use by fund shareholders, their financial advisors and other industry stakeholders. The recently announced Putnam PriceCheck&SaveSM iPhone application, for example, enables participants in 401(k) plans to use their iPhone camera to scan the bar code of most sales items to register price, comparison-shop across other retailers to seek a lower cost, see the potential cost savings in terms of future monthly income in retirement and immediately direct the price differential into their 401(k) account.

Customer Service Track Record

Putnam has a deep and long-standing commitment to providing excellent customer service to its shareholders. In January, the firm was honored for the 21st consecutive year with a DALBAR Service Award for providing industry leading service to shareholders and financial professionals. The DALBAR Service Award symbolizes the achievement of the highest tier of service to customers within the financial services industry and is awarded only to those firms that exceed industry norms in key service areas.

About Putnam Investments

Founded in 1937, Putnam Investments is a leading global money management firm with over 70 years of investment experience. The firm was recently named one of the top 15 mutual fund families by Lipper/Barron’s for the second consecutive year. At the end of July 2011, Putnam had $129 billion in assets under management, including mutual fund assets of $66 billion and institutional assets of $63 billion. Putnam has offices in Boston, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney. For more information, visit putnam.com. 

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