TNS' "complete connectivity" suite provides retailers with a range of solutions to enable fixed or mobile access between offices and to their acquiring bank via TNS' secure, private network.

According to TNS, retailers now have many opportunities to exploit connectivity technologies and add value to their IT infrastructures - for example, by implementing mobile points of sale, introducing virtual private networks to lower total cost of ownership or consolidate payment and non-payment data over the same network.

TNS' complete connectivity solutions move beyond transaction processing to help retailers enhance overall business communications between offices and with customers, partners and suppliers.

"With long term relationships with all the major acquiring banks, we understand transactions and have the right level of network expertise to help retailers in other areas of business communications," says Ray Low, managing director, TNS. "Incorporating a complete connectivity suite – from dial-up to DSL – TNS has the experience to ensure that both retailer's payment and non-payment data is managed efficiently, flexibly and safely.

"We've already seen a dramatic uptake in retailers moving on from dial-up technologies to embrace VPNs, GPRS, ISDN, leased line and other technologies. Our vision is to help retailers harness these opportunities to improve the return from investments in technology such as Chip & PIN, and to enhance the customer experience with faster queues and new services."