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Sleek and Speedy Solutions

T hruComm Inc., an integrator and provider of "always on" networking services in the EFT marketplace, recently introduced the ThruComm Integrator Solution, a flexible, managed enterprise network solution that promises a faster, more reliable and less costly way to support payment transactions, back-office applications and corporate data communications.

ThruComm's Integrator offers network options that are backed by common technology, performance guarantees and support services and are specifically suited for the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) industry. This array of options uses fixed wireless, terrestrial frame relay and VSAT technology to connect merchants of any size to ThruComm's enterprise network and the Internet.

"No matter how large or small a merchant may be, they must be able to support fast, reliable, secure electronic transactions at the point-of-sale, including debit, credit and popular loyalty applications like electronic gift cards," said Mark Gianinni, CEO and President of ThruComm. "Larger businesses also need to support back-office enterprise applications that can cut their costs and streamline operations.

"The old way, which uses multiple slow and costly dial-up lines, simply can't meet today's merchant requirements. We're making it easy for processors, merchants and ATM network providers of any size to migrate from dial-up connectivity to an 'always on' network that completely supports their growing payment transaction and data communication needs."

At the heart of ThruComm's Integrator Solution is the Customer Interface Device (CID). Common to all ThruComm Integrator options, the CID enables existing POS, ATM and other communication devices to achieve connectivity to ThruComm's IP frame relay network.

With the CID installed on location, connected devices achieve three- to five-second network-response times and 99.9 percent guaranteed network availability, important benchmarks for merchants who have seen the number of electronic transaction authorizations rise over the last 10 years from one in 18 to one in four.

Because Integrator uses existing ATMs, electronic cash registers, PCs and POS systems, it protects merchants' investments in terminals, training and systems integration. In addition, Integrator eliminates the need for multiple dial-up lines, instead providing connectivity for multiple devices at one monthly cost.

All Integrator customers receive 24/7, end-to-end network monitoring, 99.9 percent network availability and four-hour network restore time between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Because ThruComm has more than 2,800 field technicians across the country, its customers receive end-to-end service support, including network design, installation, proactive network management and field maintenance, making ThruComm's Integrator a complete managed enterprise network solution.

"When each authorization you perform through traditional dial-up lines takes 30 to 60 seconds, you get poor productivity, loss of potential revenue and unsatisfactory customer service," says Gianinni. "ThruComm's Integrator Solution works with merchants' existing equipment to eliminate these dial-up deficiencies, replacing them with 'always on' network connectivity that improves customer service, delivers faster transaction speeds and optimizes terminal functionality at the POS."

Integrator 800 supports POS applications only using a digital wireless connection. This service is designed for merchants with low to moderate transaction volumes.

Integrator TFR supports both POS and enterprise applications using a terrestrial frame relay connection. Integrator 900 also supports both POS and enterprise applications but at a slightly lower cost than Integrator TFR because it uses a spread spectrum, digital RF connection - in effect, wireless frame relay. As the areas within reach of this wireless solution increase, Integrator TFR customers easily can switch to Integrator 900.

For remote customer locations, Integrator VSAT establishes a connection with a host processor via a Ku band VSAT link. Integrator VSAT supports POS and enterprise applications.

ThruComm's Integrator Solution is installed in more than 2,000 locations and is sold through ThruComm's direct sales force as well as reseller partners. Sales professionals looking to add ThruComm Solutions can visit its Web site at www.thrucomm.com or call 727-821-2300.