Appalachian Oil Company and Signal Mountain Networks Sign Managed Network Services Agreement
ATLANTA, Aug. 23, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Signal Mountain Networks, Inc., a leading integrated network solutions provider for the petroleum and convenience store industry, announced today it has been selected as the managed network services vendor for all of Appalachian Oil Company’s (APPCO) convenience stores. Under the agreement, Signal Mountain will implement and manage a broadband VPN DSL and satellite private wide area network that will be used to support a variety of convenience store applications including credit card and check authorization; point of sale and back office management software; and fuel tank monitoring.
“We needed a company that could provide more than just a fast connection. Signal Mountain’s expertise as a network services provider and their understanding of the convenience store industry’s technology and business practices represent a real value for APPCO,” said Jeff Benedict, President and CEO of APPCO. “Our new all-IP broadband network will improve customer service, give us the ability to utilize legacy serial devices over a managed all-IP network, and support new cost-saving IP-based applications.”
Jonathan Huffman, President of Signal Mountain Networks, stated, “by serving as one point of contact for both broadband satellite and VPN DSL connectivity at all APPCO stores, Signal Mountain was able to reduce costs while providing a proactively managed and secure, private network.”
“Technology is regarded as a key component of customer service at APPCO” said Steve Parker, APPCO IT Manager. “Our all-IP network contributes to a fast, convenient, and secure customer experience that encourages repeat visits and higher per trip purchases.”
In designing a wide area network comprised of terrestrial and satellite connectivity, Signal Mountain helped APPCO save money by eliminating the number of local phone lines at each store and using the most cost-effective type of broadband connectivity. Further cost savings were realized by retaining legacy serial devices and converting their data to IP traffic using Systech devices. This approach reduced the cost of the implementation while giving APPCO the ability to support the often complex network-enabled technologies being adopted by convenience store operators.
Convenience store chains are increasingly reliant on IP-based network solutions as a means of saving money and improving customer service. With their new network, APPCO is at the forefront of the industry trend in bringing a host of new services to their customers.
About APPCO
Appalachian Oil Company, founded in 1923, is one of the Southeast's largest distributors of branded and unbranded petroleum products. Based in Blountville, Tennessee, APPCO has 22.5 million-gallon terminal facility capacity and serves customers in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
About Signal Mountain Networks
Signal Mountain Networks, Inc. provides integrated network solutions for convenience stores, government agencies, industrial companies, and other organizations with complex connectivity, security, and continuity requirements.
Signal Mountain Networks is a privately held company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more about Signal Mountain’s products and services, please visit www.signalmountain.com or call (866) 867-4888 x132.