MegaPath Partners With IP Merchant Solutions to Speed Credit, Debit and Other Financial Transactions

Retailers Benefit from Lower Cost, Faster Transaction Processing and Support for Legacy Point-of-Sale Terminals and Other Devices

COSTA MESA, CA, May 3, 2007 -- MegaPath Inc., the leading provider of managed IP voice, data and security services in North America, today announced a partnership with IP Merchant Solutions (IPMS) to expand MegaPath’s StoreConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) service for high-speed delivery of credit/debit, automatic teller machine (ATM), prepaid calling card, check and money order transactions to more than 25 processors.  The StoreConnect Service ensures the secure delivery of customer and proprietary information to vendors and headquarters over MegaPath’s private Internet Protocol (IP) network. 

IPMS maintains redundant gateways between the MegaPath network and over 25 processors. It also converts legacy serial and dial-up POS terminals and other devices, like fuel tank monitoring systems, to IP so that this traffic can be transmitted across the MegaPath network. This enables retailers to reduce costs and increase revenues by removing phone lines, adding new applications and simplifying the management of multiple processors.  In addition, MegaPath’s StoreConnect service reduces the transaction time from approximately 15 seconds with a dial-up service, to less than 3 seconds using a broadband connection, which increases sales volume and greatly improves customer satisfaction.

“As the leading provider of secure network solutions for the retail industry, MegaPath has built a reputation for offering innovative solutions that reduce costs and increase revenues for their customers,” said Chris Etter, President of IP Merchant Solutions.  “IP Merchant Solutions is excited to work with MegaPath to further increase the value it delivers to its customers. As retailers look for innovative ways to save on operational expenses and gain a competitive advantage, MegaPath and IPMS are providing a unique combination that helps them attain their operating goals.”

IPMS provides merchants with secure and reliable connectivity to transaction processing centers nationwide, reducing customers’ check and credit card processing fees, along with other operating costs related to supporting a legacy (dial) non-IP infrastructure.

“MegaPath is dedicated to providing our customers with the latest services and solutions that can help them operate more efficiently and increase the value they provide to their customers,” said Jim Cragg, President and COO of MegaPath.  “This combination of IPMS and MegaPath delivers an incredible value proposition for our customers in the specialty retail, restaurant and convenience store/petroleum industries. As these companies look to deploy revenue and productivity enhancing applications, we expect the demand for this solution to grow exponentially.”

In addition to supporting financial transactions and legacy dial-up devices, the StoreConnect service also enables the use advanced IP-based applications, such as inventory management systems, video surveillance, e-learning, digital signage, in-store music and advertising.

About IP Merchant Solutions
IP Merchant Solutions was founded to provide retail companies with a more cost effective, high performance, credit card processing and authorization solution.  IPMS’ expertise in IP network infrastructure, POS hardware/software and check and credit/debit card processing systems enables it to provide turnkey, fully integrated processing solutions for its clients.  As a result, retailers are able to significantly lower their processing costs, while improving authorization speeds – all with an easily deployed, fully managed and secure PCI compliant architecture.  For more information please visit: www.ipmerchantsolutions.com. 

About MegaPath
MegaPath is the leading provider of managed IP communications services in North America.  MegaPath leverages its wide selection of broadband connectivity, Virtual Private Networks, Voice over IP (VoIP) and security technologies to enable businesses to lower costs, increase security and enhance productivity.  Businesses of all sizes can easily and securely communicate between their headquarters, branch offices, retail locations, mobile workers and business partners.

To learn more about why over 21,000 companies have chosen MegaPath’s managed IP data, voice and security services to improve their business communications, visit www.megapath.com or call 1-877-MegaPath (634-2728).