PCT3 Signs Up BoatersWorld, National Marine Sports Retailer to Link Its Stores through Integrated Broadband Network

Business Wire, August 3, 2000

Business Editors

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 3, 2000

PCT3 announced that BoatersWorld, the second largest national retail chain for boating and marine products and accessories in the U.S. has selected PCT3 to interconnect their growing chain stores across the country through an integrated broadband network to meet growing consumer demand for faster point-of-sale processing of credit cards purchases, inventory management, and to provide integrated IT support capabilities to its over 100 stores.

PCT3's custom-designed broadband network solution will allow the growing retail chain to provide faster point-of-sale processing of credit card purchases at the cash registers during peak shopping seasons by migrating BoatersWorld's current dial-up credit card authorization terminals to a high-speed online network, expecting to cut the wait time for authorization to as low as 5 seconds.

Wade Mayberry, Chief Operating Officer of BoatersWorld stores, says, "We have selected PCT3 to help to us reduce the cost of implementing IT upgrades while maximizing the speed and efficiencies of providing the best possible customer service to our growing customer base of marine enthusiasts".

Matthew Edmonds, President of PCT3, says, "Like many retail chain stores, BoatersWorld has realized the advantage of connecting their multiple locations with a smart centralized IT-based network that reduces the cost and burden, while increasing speed and enabling better customer service. "

About PCT3:

PCT3 is leading e-business network design and management integrator, specializing in the delivery of IT business solutions through secure Extranets to major retail chains and other organizations with multiple locations in need of external and internal connectivity. Utilizing broadband access, PCT3 maintains secure, enterprise class facilities in which its hosts its computer applications, from which it manages and maintains application management with backup and disaster recovery. Leveraging its strategic partnerships with Level 3, and Network Access Solutions (NAS), PCT3 delivers total solutions that include Internet broadband access, hosting, management, security, and monitoring of IT networks. PCT3, founded in 1998, operates out of Alexandria, Virginia, with managed facilities in multiple states.

About BoatersWorld:

BoatersWorld is a national retailer specializing in sales of products from marine electronics to foul weather gear to water sports equipment. BoatersWorld has a wide selection of products at the most competitive prices. The typical BoatersWorld customer enjoys boating, fishing and related marine activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and just being out on the water.