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MegaPath Networks and PerformanceRetail Establish Alliance to Offer Retailers Comprehensive Secure Broadband Access and Web-Based Merchandising/Operations Solution

PerformanceRetail Integrates MegaPath's Managed Services for Delivering Secure, Real-Time Nationwide Network Access to Perform Key Retail Functions Over the Internet

PLEASANTON, Calif. & AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 2004--

MegaPath Networks Inc., a leading provider of secure access and managed network solutions, and PerformanceRetail, Inc. the leading provider of web-based merchandising and store operations software for the retail industry, today announced they have entered into a partnership to deliver a comprehensive remote access solution that enables customers to securely conduct critical retail functions over the Internet anywhere in North America.
As a MegaPath Pathways Partner, PerformanceRetail will draw on MegaPath to provide secure broadband connectivity for retail customers that are leveraging the integrated merchandising and store operations capabilities of the PerformanceRetail InSite(TM) solution. Whether retailers are replacing existing frame-relay or upgrading slower dial-up connections, this alliance will enable them to obtain reliable, always-on network access to widely distributed storefronts, further boosting operational efficiencies and bottom-line results.

"We are continually looking to complement our offerings with best-in-class partners in an effort to provide the best solutions to our customers. Our relationship with MegaPath is proof of this commitment," said Dean Cruse, executive vice president marketing, PerformanceRetail. "This partnership will provide significant efficiency and cost advantages to our customers, enabling them to provide better service to their own customers while staying ahead of the competition."

PerformanceRetail's InSite solution automates key retail functions through a modular suite of web-based merchandising, business intelligence, field operations, store operations, fuel management and retail financial applications. Offered as a hosted suite of software and services, InSite's on-demand capabilities can be deployed quickly and enables retailers to adopt the applications they need as they need them, simplifying implementation, speeding time-to-value and reducing risk.

PerformanceRetail customers using the InSite suite to manage retail operations will benefit through the MegaPath partnership by obtaining:

-- Multiple secure broadband access options including DSL, Cable, T1, ISDN and Satellite services

-- Broadband access to remote retail locations where service wasn't previously available

-- Scalable architecture to rapidly and cost-effectively expand coverage to connect new locations or increase bandwidth to support new applications

-- Best-in-class provisioning, installation, technical support and customer care

-- Single point of contact for ordering, billing and support

-- Optional managed clientless SSL VPN or IPSec VPN services for secure data transmission between remote sites

-- Maximum performance and minimum latency through the physical hosting of the suite on MegaPath's private network

"MegaPath is pleased to be collaborating with an industry leader like PerformanceRetail to extend the value we provide the market," said Dan Foster, chief sales and marketing officer, MegaPath Networks Inc. "As a team we can significantly enhance the customer experience for those retailers that depend on our combined solution to drive the success of their business."

About PerformanceRetail

PerformanceRetail is the leading provider of web-based merchandising and store operations software for the retail industry. InSite, the company's integrated suite of retail software applications, enables retailers to improve the profitability and efficiency of key business processes such as merchandising, business intelligence, field operations, store operations, fuel management and retail financials. PerformanceRetail's modular, hosted solutions and comprehensive services ensure customers realize value quickly while reducing upfront capital expenditures and ongoing support costs. By partnering with PerformanceRetail, industry leaders are transforming their retail operations into highly competitive, customer-driven profit centers.

About MegaPath Networks

MegaPath Networks Inc. delivers secure access and managed network solutions that enable businesses of all sizes to cost-effectively connect branch offices, storefronts, mobile workers and home-based workers to centralized corporate resources. By offering comprehensive managed access, VPN and security services, MegaPath is the single source of contact for the design, deployment, monitoring, reporting and support of remote connectivity solutions.

Having the broadest business-class footprint through its nationwide private network, MegaPath has deployed services to over 18,000 customers including small businesses and distributed enterprises ranging from large manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, restaurant chains, retailers and financial institutions, to smaller insurance firms and real estate offices. MegaPath's passion for customer care and product excellence is reflected in its award-winning managed services and top industry- and user-rated technical support and sales professionals. Privately held and founded in 1999, MegaPath is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA.

For more information, visit the MegaPath Web site at www.megapath.net or call 1-877-MEGAPATH (877.634.2728). MegaPath Networks(R) is a registered service mark of MegaPath Networks Inc.

Contacts


MegaPath Networks Inc., Pleasanton
Karoline McLaughlin, 512-794-6022
Mobile: 512-657-6364
kmclaughlin@megapath.net
or
Voce Communications For MegaPath Networks Inc.
Kevin Kempskie, 617-224-1134
Mobile: 617-413-4333
kkempskie@vocecomm.com
or
Porter Novelli For PerformanceRetail
Angel Schneider, 512-241-2238
aschneider@porternovelli.com

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