RESTON, Va. — Transaction Network Services Inc., provider of business-critical network and data communications services for transaction-oriented applications, announced in a news release a strategic relationship with Mars Electronics International (MEI), manufacturer of unattended payment systems. Under terms of the non-exclusive relationship, TNS and MEI will provide vending customers the ability to purchase items via cash, coin, debit or credit, supported by MEI's Remote Data Port technology.
TNS is a leading provider of POS transaction processing networking and is Pepsi trademark-authorized for credit and debit card vending transactions. MEI serves the unattended payment system markets in bottling and full-line vending, gaming, retail and transit. It holds the largest installed base of vending payment systems.
The MEI Remote Data Port provides the added benefit of supporting the MEI EASITRAX Vending Management System, which offers dynamic scheduling, machine status alerts, curbside polling, which eliminates the "first walk" to the machine, and many other functions that enhance control and efficiency.
"MEI has an impressive 30-plus year history as the largest supplier of coin and bill systems in the country," said Heidi Goff, executive vice president and general manager of TNS's POS division. "The company's proven track record makes them an attractive partner in our strategic vending business, and we look forward to a strong, profitable relationship."
