MARSHALL, Mich. -- Walters-Dimmick Petroleum Inc. (WDP), one of Shell's largest distributors with 54 convenience stores with gasoline and 21 Quick Serv Restaurants in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, is switching to a high-speed business broadband network powered by New Edge Networks.
The IP-based VPN (Internet Protocol-based virtual private network), allows WDP to increase speed of service and convenience at all its locations, the tech company said. The network also will provide real-time access to sales information and inventory.
The dial-up telephone connections we were using were expensive and could not support new online store operation systems and controls we needed in today's business environment for speed, convenience, and efficiency, said Dale Williams, retail systems administrator for Marshall, Mich.-based WDP. We want to be on the leading edge but not the bleeding edge of technology. We also want our systems to pay for themselves and provide fast returns on our investments.
In addition to using the network for basic store operations such as fuel tank monitoring, WDP's IT staff will also get new remote access capability for managing, diagnosing and troubleshooting network issues at individual stores. This saves the company time and money and IT staff has more time to focus on other priorities.
For the equivalent monthly cost of two telephone lines and an Internet service provider we eliminated, we now have a business-class broadband network that we can use for existing and new applications, Williams said.
WDP plans to overlay other applications onto its high-speed broadband network, including credit card processing, ATM transactions, check verifications, Internet voice calls and remote digital video monitoring.
123SECURE.NET, an Internet security consultancy, advised WDP. It also provided the chain with an integrated software and hardware solution for web access controls, anti-virus and anti-spam. Based in Royal Oak, Mich., 123SECURE.NET is an authorized reseller of New Edge Networks. It is also a member of the Retail Broadband Alliance, a resources and referral forum that makes it easy for merchants to switch to broadband networks.
Vancouver, Wash.-based 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, it uses broadband access technologies for building business networks. These include all types of DSL, frame relay, ATM, cable modems, and satellite.
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