Columbus Data Services and TNS Further ATM Migration to IP Infrastructure; Columbus Data Services Deploys TNS TransXpress Secure VPN.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2003

Transaction Network Services (TNS) and Columbus Data Services (CDS) today announced that CDS has deployed TNS TransXpress(R) Secure to further the migration from legacy processing protocols to an IP infrastructure by enabling ATM operators to access TNS' private transaction data network via the Internet.

TNS, one of the world's leading providers of fast, cost-effective data communications services for transaction-oriented applications, recently began offering TransXpress(R) Secure to support access to TNS' secure data networks via the Internet. TransXpress(R) Secure requires an IP connection from client-side devices through the Internet and manages security concerns associated with Internet connectivity by providing a secure path between the client and the secure TNS network through a fully-managed VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Now, CDS can enable ATM operators to use their existing network connections provided by the local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to access TNS' secure data networks, eliminating the need to add another communication path into its organization.

The IP processing infrastructure uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP/IP) to establish a direct virtual connection between the ATM and their host. By migrating from leased-line, legacy protocols, (such as 3270 bisync, SNA/SDLC) to TCP/IP, ATM terminal operators will experience the benefits of reduced network communication costs and faster transactions through an always-on, secure connection.

"We are focused on delivering the innovative technology to enable our customers to compete aggressively in the ATM market," said John Willmon, Vice President Business Development, Columbus Data Services. "We recognize that many terminal operators are using the Internet to meet their communications needs and with TransXpress(R) Secure they can now leverage their existing infrastructure for secure transaction authorizations. By switching ATMs from dial-up to IP, we are leveraging advanced protocols for transaction processing and making monitoring less costly and more efficient - an important issue as we continue to grow our network of ATM machines."

CDS provides processing, driving, monitoring, settlement, reconciliation, cash management, vault cash services and ATM card management programs for ATM operators and financial institutions.

"TNS is committed to delivering cost-effective technology to meet the connectivity requirements of the dramatically changing ATM marketplace," said Larry Crompton, SVP and GM of TNS' POS Division. "TNS' data networks are optimized to interact with ATMs to offer some of the fastest transaction times. Keeping with market demand, we have developed a secure, high-speed network to link ATMs to the Internet and support the migration to an IP infrastructure."

About Columbus Data Services

Columbus Data Services was formed to provide small to mid-size financial institutions and ATM deployers with state-of-the-art technology at cost effective prices to enable them to compete aggressively in the ATM marketplace. Our services are centered on strong customer support and responsiveness to our customer's changing needs. We are team players striving to support our clients' efforts to maximize their value to their customers. For more information, visit www.columbusdata.net.

About Transaction Network Services, Inc.

Transaction Network Services is one of the leading providers of fast, cost-effective data communications services for transaction-oriented applications. Since its inception in 1990, TNS has designed and implemented one of the fastest, most reliable and lowest cost networks for the transport of transaction-oriented data. TNS' proprietary network technologies have been deployed in the United States and internationally, and TNS' network has become a preferred network servicing the trading community, card processing and dial-up automatic teller machine markets. For further information about TNS' transaction solutions, please refer to www.tnsi.com.