Ottawa, Canada, April 13th, 2004 - Precidia Technologies, a global leader in IP enabling products, announced today the launch of its EtherSDLC™ product, an IP access device that connects existing Hypercom terminals to IP networks. By leveraging fast, highly reliable IP networks such as private satellite service, single and multi-lane merchants in any location can access low cost, high speed IP networks without the need for an IP infrastructure.

The product, which is Class B Certified by Paymentech, is ideal for single lane merchants like convenience stores, or speed-sensitive multi-lane merchants like QSR (quick service restaurant) outlets.

"Paymentech is pleased to offer Class B Certification for the EtherSDLC on Hypercom LAN capable terminals in retail, restaurant and lodging applications. The EtherSDLC provides a clear path to secure IP-based transaction processing that leverages the reliability offered by private frame relay and satellite networks," said George White, Chief Operating Officer for Paymentech.

Precidia President Deepak Wanner recognizes the demand within both the retail payments industry and among private satellite network providers for an IP connectivity solution that maximizes the high reliability and speed that satellite service can offer merchants: "The EtherSDLC delivers value to many of the industry's most cost and speed sensitive merchants, bringing them a product that will leverage some of the best connectivity services available, those offered by private satellite providers," said Mr. Wanner.

Those in the satellite industry agree that this product can work optimally with private satellite networks to provide a complete solution to merchants. "The EtherSDLC appears to offer merchants a unique advantage in conjunction with a satellite network, providing smaller merchants with transaction speeds of under 5 seconds," said Spencer Rutherford, president of EchoSat Communications Group. "Satellite is rapidly becoming the solution of choice for merchants looking to bring their transaction processing onto IP along with other existing communications functions already using a private satellite network, and Precidia is well positioned to help facilitate this migration with the EtherSDLC."

About Precidia Technologies
Precidia Technologies Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of IP access devices for a wide range of industries, including retail payments and building automation. With customers in over 75 countries, Precidia's unique product line of wired and wireless access devices seamlessly migrate stand-alone serial and dial equipment onto more sophisticated IP networks. For more information, visit Precidia on the Web at http://www.precidia.com.