New Edge Networks’ Always-on Internet Service eliminates the need for point of sale devices to dial-up toll-free numbers to get individual payment card authorizations. Because the connection is always on, transactions and customer lines move faster. In addition, multiple point-of-sale terminals or cash registers can share the line, helping businesses eliminate monthly telephone line charges for separate cash registers.

New Edge Networks accelerated introduction of its service offering through new network interconnections with EarthLink Inc., (NASDAQ: ELNK), which completed its acquisition of New Edge Networks April 13.

Many merchants are switching to high-speed connections such as Digital Subscriber Lines, or DSL, for processing payment card transactions. Because DSL is not yet available at every location, businesses want a fast, cost-effective alternative for processing card payments.

New Edge Networks, which builds and manages networks for businesses and communications providers, developed the Always-on Internet Service as a lower cost alternative for low-speed frame relay connections.

“Most of the elapsed time in a credit card authorization is on initiating and establishing the connection to the payment processor; once the connection is established, the authorization can be completed at the wink of an eye,” said Greg Griffiths, vice president of marketing for New Edge Networks.

“By shaving seconds off the total transaction time, many businesses like quick service restaurants and convenience stores with gasoline can increase sales, boost profit margins, and improve overall customer experience,” Griffiths said. “Our Always-on Internet Service is an effective interim access option until DSL service is available for merchants that cannot justify the cost of filling in non-DSL locations with frame relay connections.”

New Edge Networks offers its Always-on Internet Service on a month-to-month basis or one-year service terms, starting at $99.95 with full rebates on installation. Customers provide a dedicated business grade telephone line. The service is offered to multi-location business customers, whose Always-on sites do not exceed 20 percent of all sites.

Always-on Internet Service includes local access numbers that are accessed through EarthLink to 11 underlying providers covering about 98 percent of U. S. locations.

New Edge Networks’ Always-on Internet Service includes unlimited Internet access, a dynamic IP address, 10 email boxes, remote email access, anti-spam and anti-virus filtering, Web hosting, and use of dial-up equipment.

About New Edge Networks
New Edge Networks builds and manages networks for businesses and communications providers. Through its nationwide backbone network with about 900 switches and Internet routers, New Edge Networks uses various access technologies (xDSL, frame relay, ATM, cable, wireless, and satellite) for providing broadband connectivity at any business address in the United States. Network options include any combination of access and network management functions. Based in Vancouver, Wash., New Edge Networks is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EarthLink Inc. (NASDQ: ELNK). The company’s Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: 1-360-693-9009.


ATTN: New Edge Networks news releases contain information that is accurate as of the date they are issued. Information contained in past news releases may become out of date and the company does not assume responsibility for updating information contained in past news releases.

Source: Wired News