iPass Helps Retail Franchises Get Affordable and Secure Access to Corporate Systems

Hallmark first to deploy new service, giving PCI-compliant connectivity for POS, security and other applications over existing high-speed links

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. — iPass Inc., (NASDAQ: IPAS) a global provider of services that unify the management of enterprise mobility, today unveiled a companion offering to its iPass Retail Office service that allows franchise store owners and key personnel to securely access corporate applications—such as point-of-sale (POS), customer loyalty and store surveillance systems—over any high-speed connection. Hallmark is the first nationwide customer to deploy iPass’ Secure Franchise service, which is available immediately.

The new service provides retailers with an easy-to-deploy and cost-effective way to meet strict payment card industry (PCI) security standards that are mandated by major credit card companies. The Secure Franchise service is the only PCI-compliant remote-access solution that does not require retail franchisees to use the infrastructure of their corporate parent company. The franchisee can continue to leverage its existing Internet connection (e.g. DSL, cable or T1 circuit), yet obtain secure access with two-factor authentication and full compliance with PCI standards.

“iPass’ Secure Franchise service helps retailers extend the benefits of their applications and systems to independent franchises without requiring them to replace their existing infrastructure,” said Christopher Linden, senior director of product management at iPass. “The service helps keep franchisees and company-owned stores at parity in terms of customer experience and operational excellence.”

The Secure Franchise service is an optional, add-on feature to iPass Retail Office, a managed network service that helps retail chains improve delivery of applications and communications to stores in order to provide better service to their customers. As part of Retail Office, iPass identifies, orders, installs and manages the broadband service, as well as proactively monitors the connection for service and security issues.

Hallmark Deploys at 713 Locations
iPass Retail Office was rolled out earlier this year to all 463 Hallmark corporate stores, and the Secure Franchise service option was made available to an additional 250 Hallmark independently-owned retail locations.

“The benefits of having managed high-speed broadband Internet service in all stores greatly outweigh the costs,” said Talli Denney, retail technology manager for Hallmark. “Broadband is the foundation for many emerging product offerings, including personalized greetings, and a variety of new operational capabilities. Most importantly, the combination of iPass Retail Office, the Secure Franchise service, and our Hallmark POSX 2008 software, allows both our company-owned stores and independent retailers to meet strict PCI requirements.”

The service is available to any iPass Retail Office or Branch Office customer for a $99 one-time set-up fee and a monthly fee of $30 per user. It requires use of Cisco virtual private network (VPN) hardware, plus an automated software download is required for any computers being used for access. iPass plans to support additional brands of VPN hardware in the future.

About iPass Inc.
iPass helps enterprises unify the management of remote and mobile connectivity and devices. With iPass software and services, customers can create easy-to-use broadband solutions for their mobile workers, home offices, and branch and retail locations, complete with device management, security validation, and unified billing. iPass offerings are powered by its leading global virtual network, on-demand management platform, and award-winning client software. The iPass global virtual network unifies hundreds of wireless, broadband and dial-up providers in over 160 countries. Hundreds of Global 2000 companies rely on iPass services, including General Motors, Nokia, and Reuters. Founded in 1996, iPass is headquartered in Redwood Shores, Calif., with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

iPass® is a registered trademark of iPass Inc.