StoreNext and New Edge Networks Collaborate to Bring Business-Class Networking to Independent Grocers

StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Retalix Ltd. (NASDAQ: RTLX), and New Edge Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Earthlink Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNK), have signed an agreement to provide business-class broadband networking and Internet services to independent grocers across North America.

Under the agreement, announced today at the new FMI + MARKETECHNICS Show in Chicago, StoreNext and StoreNext dealers will resell New Edge Networks’ Internet infrastructure and services. New Edge’s networking supplements StoreNext’s suite of Web-based applications, including Connected Payments™. This hosted electronic payment solution, offered in partnership with several leading payment industry companies, is designed to increase shopper service while cutting independent grocers’ payment expenses by 25 percent or more.

Unlike consumer-focused Internet service providers (ISPs), New Edge Networks offers business-class Internet and networking services used for mission-critical applications. New Edge users can select virtual private networks (VPNs) and choose from a myriad of proactive services and support capabilities that ensure uptime, network PCI compliance and security — all of which are vital for business efficiency and the high-quality shopper service required in today’s competitive grocery environment.

“New Edge Networks has an outstanding reputation and a rich tradition in the retail industry — a true networking leader that understands the needs of merchants and grocers,” said Ray Carlin, StoreNext president and CEO. “New Edge can reach even the most remote store locations and provide outstanding broadband networking. Their performance and high value matches up perfectly with our new Connected Payments offering, which is all about delivering payments savings while enriching shopper service and satisfaction.”

“The critical advantages of Web-hosted services such as StoreNext’s Connected Payments have become increasingly clear — and increasingly popular — for independent grocers and regional chains,” said Greg Griffiths, vice president of marketing for Vancouver, Wash.-based New Edge Networks. “High-performance network access and services have become essential to ensure the reliable business-class connectivity and security these merchants require. We look forward to collaborating with StoreNext to put our retail experience at the service of independent grocers.”

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLink Inc. (NASDQ: ELNK). New Edge Networks builds and manages private networks for businesses and communications providers. Through its nationwide backbone network with almost 900 switches and Internet routers, New Edge Networks uses any blend of network and access technologies (MPLS, frame relay, ATM, xDSL, cable, wireless, and satellite) for providing high-speed connections at any business address in the United States. Network options include any combination of access, network management functions, and on-site installation services. For more information, visit www.newedgenetworks.com, or call 1-360-693-9009.

About StoreNext

StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC is the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Based in Plano, Texas, StoreNext is a joint venture of Retalix Ltd. (NASDAQ: RTLX) and Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. and markets Fujitsu POS hardware, Retalix’s ISS45 and ScanMaster POS software, Retalix Store and RBO back office systems as well as Internet Connected Services for managing stores via Web-enabled applications. StoreNext is the IT company exclusively dedicated to meeting the needs of this wholesaler-served market with packaged solutions that were previously available, affordable or practical only for large chains.

Web site: www.storenext.com.

For sales and product information call (972) 265-4800.