Section 906 Certifications
---------------------------
I, Charles E. Porter, a principal executive officer of the Funds listed
on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period
ended January 31, 2004 fully complies with the requirements of Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on
Attachment A for the period ended January 31, 2004 fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
the Funds listed on Attachment A.

/s/Charles E. Porter        Date: April 15, 2004
----------------------      --------------------
Charles E. Porter, Principal Executive Officer


Section 906 Certifications
---------------------------
I, Steven D. Krichmar, the principal financial officer of the Funds listed
on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period
ended January 31, 2004 fully complies with the requirements of Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on
Attachment A for the period ended January 31, 2004 fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
the Funds listed on Attachment A.

/s/Steven D. Krichmar       Date: April 15, 2004
----------------------      --------------------
Steven D. Krichmar, Principal Financial Officer


Attachment A
--------------
Period(s) ended January 31, 2004

001 The George Putnam Fund of Boston
2AQ Putnam Research Fund