HNS VSATs will allow ARCO to combine applications such as XcelleNet, PayPoint, and other network systems onto one platform and dispense with the modem and multiple telephone lines that each store currently uses for its different retailing needs.

"From credit-card verifications, debit transfers, and point-of-sale transactions to file transfers and software downloads, we anticipate significant cost-savings and increased reliability," said Peter Riordan, business manager, Point of Sales Systems for ARCO Products Company. "We feel that implementing a VSAT network will allow us to offer both our franchisees and company operations the newest technology at the best price and ensure that our customers receive the best service possible."

The HNS VSAT network solution supports low-cost, two-way, data voice, multimedia, and one-way broadcast video communications between a company's headquarters/data center and its remote sites. An HNS Personal Earth Station(TM) (PES(TM)) terminal is located at each remote site on the network, providing communications to and from the headquarters data center. The PES effectively supports data-intensive applications and at the same time provides excellent response times for interactive applications. Capacity is allocated to remote sites on demand, ensuring optimum response times for remote applications.

"In addition to the ISBN's proven superiority, cost competitiveness, and versatility of HNS VSATs over other systems, ARCO will receive the ongoing support, network-management services, and the benefit of the experience of the VSAT industry's leader," said Dennis Conti, senior vice president, Satellite Networks Division, HNS. "As it has since it developed the early VSATs, HNS continues to lead the way in developing the newest and most innovative VSAT systems. No other company can offer companies such as ARCO the integrated range of products that HNS does."

ARCO Products Company, the marketing, refining, and transportation division of ARCO has more than 1,750 retail outlets in seven western states -- California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Hawaii, as well as in British Columbia, Canada.