Paymentech, Inc.

CHICAGO--Paymentech, the nation's premier payment solutions expert, has partnered with ThruComm, Inc., a leading provider of managed networking services in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) marketplace, to provide 'Online, All the Time' connectivity for merchants nationwide.

ThruComm is a key component of Paymentech's Advanced Data Communication (ADC) solutions and establishes a managed enterprise network connection between a merchant location and Paymentech. It is a complete solution with everything needed to get connected and stay connected.

With improved transaction speed, performance, network uptime and reliability, ThruComm Integrator(TM) can cut processing to 3-5 seconds and achieve online connections at or below dial-up costs without expensive upgrades in either hardware or software. ThruComm's network service options include a low cost frame relay, satellite and fixed wireless connectivity to support point of sale (POS) or back-office applications.

"In establishing this partnership with ThruComm, Inc., we're bringing the latest and fastest payment solutions to our hospitality merchant base," said Brian Beacom, Director of Strategic Product Development for Paymentech. "Customers are looking for fast, economical and reliable transaction delivery in the hospitality industry, and ThruComm offers this and more."

ThruComm, Inc., a privately held, venture-backed corporation headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL., is answering the advanced data communications needs of today's transaction processors, merchants and ATM network providers by delivering an end-to-end managed network specifically suited for the EFT industry. Offering fast, reliable, "always on" connectivity in an affordable package, ThruComm supports EFT transactions and back-office applications from existing ATMs, electronic cash registers and point of sale systems. Contact ThruComm at 727-821-2300 or through .

Dallas-based Paymentech delivers secure and reliable payment service in merchant acquiring and point-of-sale transaction processing with a wide array of product functionality and support. Paymentech (www.paymentech.com) processed approximately 3.7 billion total transactions and $114 billion in bankcard sales volume in 2001. Founded in 1985, Paymentech is the nation's premier processor and acquirer of credit card transactions.

Tonya Williams
214/849-3727