Payment Processing Direct, Inc. Selects Netopia and MegaPath to Deliver IP Merchant Success Bundle, Superior Payment Processing Services to Retailers

Business Wire, March 15, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- Payment Processing Direct, Netopia and MegaPath solutions combine to give retailers feature-rich high-speed merchant IP networks

Netopia, Inc. (Pink Sheets:NTPA), a market leader in broadband gateways and service delivery software, and MegaPath Networks, Inc., a leading provider of secure access and managed network solutions, today announced that Payment Processing Direct (PPD), the direct marketing division of Payment Processing, Inc., an industry leader in providing integrated payment processing solutions, has selected Netopia's products and services and MegaPath's broadband access services to provide retailers with a turn-key merchant IP network complete with full-featured payment processing.

The offering will consist of a Netopia 3-D Reach(TM) Wi-Fi gateway, a broadband connection provided by MegaPath, VeriFone point-of-sale (POS) terminals and PPD's merchant account services.

The new Merchant Success bundle has everything needed for a merchant IP network that uses a broadband connection to bring high-speed Internet access to a retail location. The bundle is based on Netopia's industry-leading broadband Wi-Fi gateway, which features 3-D Reach wireless technology for superior coverage and performance as well as Netopia's new VGx(TM) Virtual Gateway technology for high-quality delivery of IP services. The gateway has comprehensive security features built in to protect credit card transactions, business data, and wired and wireless network connections from hackers and unauthorized users.

"Broadband access is driving a new generation of IP-based merchant networks which improve electronic transaction time and enable exciting new services such as Wi-Fi hot spots, Voice over IP (VoIP), video and more," said Marty Hawke, senior vice president and general manager of PPD. "In working with Netopia and MegaPath, we are delivering a turn-key solution that offers compelling cost savings and new IP-based services to our merchant customers."

"MegaPath's secure high-speed access and managed network solutions are ideally suited for bringing IP services to the merchant community," said Dan Foster, senior vice president at MegaPath Inc,. "MegaPath is pleased to work together with PPD and Netopia to bring this new generation of technology to the merchant community."

"We are very pleased that PPD has chosen Netopia's products and services to complement their payment processing solutions," said Dano Ybarra, Netopia's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "They have a deep understanding of retailers' needs, and their selection of our products and services validates the need for complete solutions that leverage high-speed IP networking to deliver powerful payment processing systems."

About PPD

Headquartered at the north end of Silicon Valley in Newark, California, PPD is the direct marketing division of Payment Processing, Inc. (PPI), the payment industry pioneer and leader in integrated payments processing. Payment Processing Direct (PPD) focuses on providing the best in credit card processing solutions and merchant accounts for retail businesses (including restaurants, grocery stores, hospitality, and service industries), and Mail Order / Telephone Order (MOTO). Through our nationwide team of sales and service personnel, PPD offers competitive merchant accounts, the best in transaction processing solutions, personal support and technical excellence. For more information contact Payment Processing Direct, 800-774-6462, ext. 4940.

About MegaPath Networks

MegaPath Networks Inc. delivers secure access and managed network solutions that enable businesses of all sizes to cost-effectively connect branch offices, storefronts, mobile workers and home-based workers to centralized corporate resources. By offering comprehensive managed access, VPN and security services, MegaPath is the single source of contact for the design, deployment, monitoring, reporting and support of remote connectivity solutions.

Having the broadest business-class footprint through its nationwide private network, MegaPath has deployed services to over 18,000 customers including small businesses and distributed enterprises ranging from large manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, restaurant chains, retailers and financial institutions, to smaller insurance firms and real estate offices. MegaPath, founded in 1999 is privately held and is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA. Further information about MegaPath can be obtained at www.megapath.net or call 877megapath.

About Netopia

Netopia, Inc. is a market leader in broadband products and services that enable service providers to improve their profitability. Its portfolio of wired and wireless gateways, software, and value-added services enhance revenue generation while reducing costs for carriers and broadband service providers. Netopia's Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) gateways feature 3-D Reach(TM) technology for enhanced wireless range, security, and performance. The company has established strategic distribution relationships with leading carriers and broadband service providers including Belgacom, BellSouth, Covad Communications, EarthLink, eircom, Hong Kong Telecom/PCCW, MegaPath Networks, Netifice, SBC Communications, Swisscom, and Verizon. Netopia also offers powerful remote-control software for IT support organizations.