New Edge Networks Launches New Edge AX

VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- New Edge Networks, the managed services business communications unit of EarthLink Inc., has launched New Edge AX, an ecosystem of direct connections to a suite of  business applications on New Edge Networks' nationwide MPLS platform.  New Edge is directly connecting with Voice over IP providers (VoIP), Application Service Providers (ASPs), Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, as well as other services including credit card processors and physical security providers.  

New Edge's customers currently run a variety of business-critical applications over IP networks that support end-to-end traffic prioritization and predictable application performance. Customers already use the concept of New Edge AX for direct connections to proprietary applications and various service providers including VoIP providers and Payment Processing applications.

GNC, the leading specialty retailer of nutritional products, leverages the New Edge Network infrastructure to support web-based applications between its corporate headquarters and nearly 2800 store locations nationwide. According to Don Fogal, Director of IT for GNC, "Since becoming a New Edge customer, GNC has significantly lowered payment card processing fees and has saved over $300,000 annually by eliminating phone lines. We are running critical retail applications over the New Edge MPLS network literally around-the-clock and doing so with security, performance and reliability."

Accessing applications over the New Edge AX secure data network environment can assist companies in a variety of industries in meeting certain government and regulatory requirements. In addition, New Edge, a Level One PCI Compliant Service provider, offers direct connections to top tier financial institutions helping businesses meet Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards required by any business that accepts credit card payments. For the healthcare industry, New Edge's network can support organizations that use applications that transmit confidential patient information to meet Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

In addition, with New Edge AX, VoIP providers can connect their hosted VoIP platform over MPLS and provide Class of Service (CoS) to their business customers nationwide, eliminating many of the connection issues associated with the public Internet.

Similarly, New Edge offers a new way for ASPs and SaaS providers to more efficiently get to their existing customers and to reach new customers with the underlying reliability of a performance-driven cloud-computing environment. New Edge is currently working on the design of a portal that will allow businesses to select from a menu of applications with direct connections into the New Edge Network.

"The concept of New Edge AX is similar to the mobile phone industry where a multitude of applications can be accessed via a mobile device," explained New Edge President Cardi Prinzi. "The important distinction for service providers and customers is that with New Edge AX, the SMB market can access a suite of business applications and services using a secure network solution provided by New Edge as opposed to the public internet."

"We are essentially creating a marketplace of enterprise grade applications, in which companies can make selections by industry or business function," added Prinzi. "As additional application providers join the New Edge AX, customers will be able to add those applications to the MPLS network provided by New Edge."

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks provides managed IP-based based networks through a mix of private and public connections to deliver secure, managed network solutions. Connecting business sites at virtually any address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose any blend of available access technologies – from DSL and T1 lines to fiber-optic connections – for building private and secure MPLS networks with performance guarantees managed over an award-winning portal. A wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc., (Nasdaq: ELNK), New Edge is based in Vancouver, Wash. For more information visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.

SOURCE New Edge Networks