F2b launches new payment and billing solution for small business and individuals   F2b, pioneer in the field of electronic payments in Brazil, has just launched two new functionalities that allow its users to create and pay boleto bancarios via the Internet. These new services are targeted to the small business community as well as individual users who do not access to these services through their current banking relationships.   Payments through F2b work as follows: F2b users simply enter the boleto information and with a few simple clicks the boleto payment is authorized and the payment is deducted from their F2b account. "This function is extremely useful for our users that do not have access to Internet banking. They can save a lot of time by making their payments this way and avoid standing on lines", says Paulo Azambuja, CTO of F2b.   Cobrança F2b is a new service designed for small businesses and individuals. Using this function any business can generate boleto bancarios easily and economically. Once generated, the boletos can be sent via e-mail to the customer or can be printed and mailed. Payment is made in the traditional manner and the funds are credited to the user's F2b account. Each boleto is registered on the F2b system and users can track each payment online.   "Cobrança F2b is a new tool for small business and professionals. By using e-mail they can save a lot of time and expense", says Jacques Blinbaum, CEO of F2b. "Furthermore, the ability to create boleto bancarios allows our users to communicate with their customers in a professional way and get prompt payment", added Blinbaum.   Benefits of using this system include: saving the cost of printing and mailing, immediate delivery via e-mail, better control and tracking of payments, and eliminating need to publish bank account information.   F2b estimates that approximately 5,000 small business users will be using the Cobrança F2b system by the end of 2002 and that each user will generate 10-20 boletos per month.     About F2b (www.f2b.com.br)   Launched in December of 2000 and headquartered in São Paulo, F2b (www.f2b.com.br) is a Brazilian company that pioneers in the field of online payments. Using its payment platform, Internet users are able to create virtual accounts and complete online purchases, make online transfers using e-mail addresses, and arrange for logistic and associated payment escrow services. All this can be accomplished without the use of credit cards or bank accounts. F2b's proprietary technology was totally developed in Brazil.   F2b is a company financed by a group of mainly North American investors including Neptune Capital Group and F2b's President and Founder, Jacques Blinbaum.     Information for the press: Edelman of Brazil Patrícia Costa/ Renata Pacini (11) 3017.5315/ 3017.5300 - R.236 patricia.costa@edelman.com renata.pacini@edelman.com