News

Thrucomm product offers "always-on" connectivity via different telecomms

December 6, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- ThruComm, Inc., an integrator and provider of networking services, has introduced a product called ThruComm Integrator, which it says uses fixed wireless, terrestrial frame relay and VSAT technology to provide merchants with an "always on" connection to ThruComm's enterprise network and the Internet.

According to a Thrucomm release, the Customer Interface Device (CID) that is common to all ThruComm Integrator options enables existing POS, ATM and other communication devices to achieve "always on' connectivity to ThruComm's IP over frame relay network.

With the CID installed on location, connected devices achieve 3-5 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.

Integrator uses existing ATMs, electronic cash registers, PCs and point of sale (POS) systems. It also eliminates the need for multiple dial-up phone lines, instead providing connectivity for multiple devices at one monthly cost.

With over 2,800 field technicians across the U.S., ThruComm customers receive end-to-end service support, including network design, installation, network management and field maintenance, according to the release.

ThruComm's Integrator options use different connectivity:

• Integrator 800 supports POS applications only using a digital wireless connection, a 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. Integrator TFR customers can easily switch to Integrator 900.
• For remote customer locations, Integrator VSAT establishes an ``always on' connection with a host processor via a Ku band VSAT link. Integrator VSAT supports POS and enterprise applications.

ThruComm's Integrator is installed in more than 2,000 locations and is sold through ThruComm's direct sales force as well as reseller partners, according to the release.

"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. Larger businesses also need to support back-office enterprise applications that can cut their costs and streamline operations," said Mark Gianinni, chief executive officer and president of ThruComm. "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.'