The SPG solution for Ports Petroleum enables high-speed Internet-based transactions for multiple applications to multiple processing hosts. These transactions include the delivery of credit card data to NBS Inc., Telecheck to First [image-nocss] Data, pre-paid and gift card to Presolutions, fleet transactions to Comdata, and ATM to Coredata.
This SPG implementation includes seamless integration with Ports Petroleum's existing WAN (Wide Area Network) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) infrastructure. In effect, SPG sits beside the corporate WAN to deliver payment transactions directly from Fuelmart c-stores to the appropriate processing hosts. To ensure the best uptime and reliability for these business-critical transactions, SPG routes all data through its geographically distributed, redundant network of secure facilities across the United States. The SPG system also features intelligent auto-dial-backup technology, which supports all payment applications in the event of a local Internet outage.
Additionally, the SPG network service delivers comprehensive device control and firmware management services, plus a 100% PCI-compliant transaction network. Ports Petroleum's SPG service includes a robust SPG Partner Portal for real-time store status and inventory tracking. All Fuelmart stores are now proactively monitored and managed around the clock by EchoSat's engineering helpdesk.
"The EchoSat SPG technical team took time to understand what we already had in place and what we needed in a new c-store communications network," said Rick Stanley, IT director for Ports Petroleum. "Then together we implemented an SPG solution that fit our goals and timelines. As a result of our close coordination, the conversion has gone perfectly with zero problems and no glitches."
Rick Stanley, IT director for Ports Petroleum, said that with SPG in place, Fuelmart customers now enjoy fast credit card, ATM, prepaid, fleet and check transactions. Additionally, Ports Petroleum's store operations group experiences the SPG device security, the ability to connect to multiple processors, the proactive inventory control and the real-time site monitoring provided by EchoSat's SPG secure transaction transport service.
James Stroud, EchoSat's vice president of program management, said, "SPG not only delivers extremely fast POS, ATM, prepaid and check transactions, but also helps Ports fully leverage their DSL and WAN investments by locking down payment functions, delivering real-time operational control and building visibility into mission-critical payment operations."
A division of The Tower Group, Lexington, Ky., EchoSat Communications is a leading independent supplier of secure data communications services for c-store, petroleum, retail, utility and grocery markets. SPG services provide PCI-compliant EFT transaction transport solutions for multiple-applications to multiple-end-points over standard broadband Internet connections. EchoSat also provides SPG cellular payments connectivity and broadband IP satellite services for areas not covered by terrestrial broadband services, and business continuity solutions delivering out-of-band connectivity with automatic failover for backup and emergency purposes. EchoSat delivers modular SPG service packages, as well as value-added custom communication solutions, in the United States and other countries.
Family-owned and -operated Ports Petroleum's wholesale and bulk fuel operations are headquartered in Wooster, Ohio.
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