Spacenet Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks (News - Alert) Ltd. and a provider of broadband network solutions, has signed a contract with Valero to serve as a provider for broadband network managed services and offer connectivity to its nationwide branded wholesale locations.

Valero, an independent refiner in North America and one of the nation’s largest retail operators with approximately 5,800 retail and branded wholesale outlets in the US and the Caribbean, will be offering Spacenet’s broadband communications services to support their primary retail applications and network backup.

“We’re thrilled that Valero has selected the Prysm Pro to power their network across the country. This contract is further recognition by an industry leader of the benefits a fully managed network service delivers to a large retailer with complex requirements,” said Glenn Katz, president and COO, Spacenet, in a statement.

Katz said that the company’s broadband managed services and Prysm Pro platform can help Valero better support its store applications and ultimately better serve its customers.

“Our goal is to help Valero and all of our enterprise clients improve operational efficiencies by supporting a comprehensive range of business applications on a reliable, cost-effective and simplified network platform,” he said.

Officials with Spacenet said that Valero is leveraging the company’s satellite and DSL broadband managed services as well as its Prysm Pro network appliance to support its retail applications.

According to company officials, these applications include Internet/intranet access, point-of-sale and credit/debit transactions, ATM transactions, Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG (News - Alert)), WiFi, store loyalty programs and video security.

Company officials said that the upgraded network combines Spacenet’s SkyEdge VSAT satellite platform and DSL Managed Services into a centrally managed, integrated platform that supports full PCI (News - Alert) compliance.

The new network, company officials said, supports faster speeds, advanced functionality and improved network availability to support expanding applications.

In addition, Valero is leveraging Spacenet’s Prysm Pro, which is a modular, scalable, off-the-shelf IP network appliance that offers unique features including hybrid switching between wireline and wireless technologies for business continuity and network backup.