Amoco certifies DataCard POS solution.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 1997--Amoco recently certified DataCard POS solutions for its jobber distributor channel of business. The DataCard(R) 780 transaction terminal, Jigsaw(TM) PIN pad and SilentPartner(TM) receipt printer will replace current stand-alone systems as needed.

DataCard was chosen based on four key factors: a terminal that's easy to use, a faster printer that reduces transaction time, reliability and price.

"The DataCard terminals have a Windows-like display that walks operators through each step," said Amoco Project Manager, Dennis Young. "And the terminals have a larger display area-four lines vs. the standard two-which our jobbers said they prefer."

Several features of the DataCard system will help Amoco improve customer service, Young said. "DataCard's SilentPartner printer prints receipts four times faster than most other printers. That means less wait time for customers-and less stress on employees during busy times," he said.

In addition, Amoco will now be able to save transactions before they're finished. "If a customer at the cash register suddenly remembers he or she needs windshield washer fluid, we can save the transaction and serve the next customer. We won't have to inconvenience customers by making them wait," Young said.

DataCard's reputation for reliability was a key factor in the Amoco decision, according to Young. "Whenever you're looking at purchasing equipment, you hear about minimal downtime," he said. "But with DataCard, it's believable."

Amoco's contract includes on-site maintenance, which Young said was "very competitively priced, as was the entire system. We feel we're getting a good value, especially when you look at all the benefits of the solution DataCard developed for us."

Additional benefits include:

-- Background downline load so transactions don't interfere with application downloads.

-- Both dial-up and direct network connections can be made without additional hardware.

-- Outdoor terminals are available.

-- Reports are easy to use and can be sent to an on-site PC to incorporate into other station reports.

The DataCard 780 transaction terminal is designed for high-volume applications. It has a 16-bit processor, a multitasking operating system, C/C++ language and an expandable memory for large programming requirements.

The DataCard Jigsaw PIN pad offers both smart card and magstripe capabilities at the same time, yet costs the same as a standard PIN pad. It was developed to help merchants make the transition from magstripes to smart cards without large capital outlays.

The new DataCard SilentPartner receipt printer offers 9.5-line-per-second print speed-three times faster than the industry standard. It also offers plug-and-play compatibility with most competitive transaction terminals, is quieter than dot matrix printers and is smaller than most receipt printers, so it takes up less of a merchant's valuable counter space.

DataCard Corporation, a privately held company based in Minneapolis, Minn., is a world leader in innovative plastic card solutions. The company offers a spectrum of card-related products and services, including transaction terminals, receipt printers, PIN pads and related POS devices; card personalization systems and services; digital badging systems; and systems integration services. (www.datacard.com)

CONTACT: Mark Iverson

612/988-1763

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