ESS, which specializes in complete solutions for multi-location retail businesses, inaugurated its new relationship with Spacenet by announcing a three-year contract to provide a Connexstar broadband satellite network to the Allsup's convenience store chain in New Mexico and West Texas.

Gilat also announced that it will release its third quarter 2004 results on November 3, 2004.

The 308-site Connexstar network that ESS is providing to Allsup's will power a video surveillance system that will help deter theft by employees and customers, as well as attempted robberies and burglaries.

Allsup's will also use the satellite network for point-of-sale (POS) data applications such as fast credit card authorization and pay-at-the-pump services.

The Connexstar solution being marketed by ESS provides commercial-grade, always-on broadband connectivity to multi-site enterprises of any size.

The service supports a wide range of business applications, including high-speed credit authorization, in-store licensed music, distance learning, content multicasting and secure private networking services - all through a single, compact, remote access device incorporating advanced networking and routing functionality.

"In-store theft and burglaries are problems the convenience store industry has been struggling with for many years. They can potentially cost companies millions of dollars a year," said Allsup's Chief Information Officer Jerry Harlow.

"We expect this new satellite-based system will provide an excellent return on investment by providing real-time monitoring that can greatly improve our ability to deter in-store criminal activity. This technology has a significant advantage versus conventional video systems that depend upon terrestrial networking connections."

ESS President David Horacek said, "Connexstar enables many of the nation's leading retail enterprises to manage all of their computer-based systems with one network, from one nationwide service provider."

"With most terrestrial connectivity options, end users must maintain regional accounts with separate contracts and customer-service contacts. ESS's complete Connexstar offering greatly simplifies that process."

"ESS's ability to bring the advantages of broadband satellite networking to Allsup's so quickly after becoming a Connexstar channel partner demonstrates their knowledge of the technologies that help growing enterprises succeed," said Spacenet President and CEO Bill Gerety.

"This expertise, combined with their familiarity with the Southwest region, has positioned ESS to become one of Spacenet's most valuable business affiliates."

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Enterprise Satellite Solutions
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