New Edge Networks Builds Direct Connection to American Express; Link Helps Merchants Speed up Transactions and Cut Processing Costs

Business Wire, Dec 7, 2005

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- New Edge Networks has established a direct network connection to American Express enabling merchants to process transactions directly with the card network. The always-on direct connection helps businesses speed up transactions and cut processing costs.

Through redundant high-speed direct connections, merchant transactions are sent directly to American Express for authorization, eliminating fees that third parties charge for processing. Previously, some merchants established and paid for their own connections to a payment processor or gateway.

"Direct network connections are innovative ways for making networks more valuable for businesses and their partners," said Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks. "Every business now needs a network to thrive in today's fast-paced competitive environment.

"By processing directly with American Express, merchants can save money, get paid sooner, and eliminate a point of failure on their American Express transactions," Moffat said. "Our direct, high-speed connection is a faster and more efficient way to process transactions."

Use of the direct connections to American Express is included in the price of broadband networks from New Edge Networks. Transaction times over broadband connections take as little as two seconds compared to about 15 seconds over a dial-up connection. This speeds up lines at the retail check-out lanes and improves overall customer experience.

Direct connections are part of a New Edge Networks initiative called ARNie, short for America's Retail Network information exchange. New Edge Networks is establishing direct connections with various suppliers to retail merchants.

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks builds and manages broadband networks for businesses and communications carriers. Through its nationwide network of more than 850 switches and Internet routers, New Edge Networks uses various broadband access technologies for building business networks. These include all types of DSL, Frame Relay, ATM, cable modems, and Satellite. Its network coverage reaches 100 percent of U. S. business addresses. New Edge Networks' product suite of managed WAN and VPN services received Frost & Sullivan's Telecommunications Services 2005 Product of the Year Award. New Edge Networks is on the 2005 lists of 500 fastest growing companies compiled by Deloitte & Touche and Inc. magazine. The company's Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: 1-360-693-9009.