NetCarrier Provides A Line of Defense Against Computer Hackers [1st October 2003]

LANSDALE, Pa., Oct 1, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NetCarrier, Inc., a regional communications provider, is offering small to mid-size businesses a way to fight the malicious attacks on computer networks that cost companies millions of dollars each year.

NetCarrier today introduced NetVantage(SM), a managed firewall service that protects a company's personal computers and networks from hacking attempts. It is a simple and cost-effective way for a business to safeguard proprietary data including credit card numbers, customer lists and bank account information. With small businesses just as vulnerable to hacking attempts as larger organizations, a reliable line of defense is critical, said Chris Peltier, the president and founder of NetCarrier.

"One attack can bring a business to its knees," said Peltier. "NetVantage helps small businesses defend against malicious attacks so they can continue to prosper."

As part of the launch of NetVantage, NetCarrier has joined with Advanta Corporation to market the service to holders of Advanta small business credit cardholders. Advanta is one of the nation's largest providers of MasterCard credit cards for small businesses.

"No one knows the needs of small businesses like Advanta. We are proud to be working with them to provide a service like NetVantage to their customers," said Barry J. Bella, NetCarrier's senior vice president of sales and marketing.

A NetVantage customer installs the firewall device using easy-to-follow instructions. The firewall is then monitored around-the-clock by NetCarrier technicians and backed by NetCarrier technical support. The service comes with a free vulnerability assessment scan, which shows in black and white where a company's network is vulnerable to an attack. The service is priced from $49.95 per month and there are no set-up or installation charges.

About NetCarrier

NetCarrier helps businesses succeed through the effective use of technology. Founded in 1996, the company offers a wide range of communications solutions including integrated voice and data connections, managed security and firewall protection, web hosting and server co-location. For more information on NetCarrier, please call 1-888-575-4754 or visit www.netcarrier.com.

About Advanta

Advanta is a highly focused financial services company serving the small business market. Advanta leverages direct marketing and information based expertise to identify potential customers and new target markets, and to provide a high level of service tailored to the unique needs of small business. Using these distinctive capabilities, Advanta has become one of the nation's largest issuers (through Advanta Bank Corp.) of MasterCard business credit cards to small businesses. Since 1951, Advanta has pioneered many of the marketing techniques common in the financial services industry today, including remote lending, direct mail, and affinity and relationship marketing. Learn more about Advanta at www.advanta.com.

SOURCE NetCarrier, Inc.

Pam Barrilli of NetCarrier, +1-215-966-3359,
barrilli@corp.netcarrier.com