title: VSAT technology aids growth
abstract: Choosing to migrate to IP-based applications also means deciding whether terrestrial technologies such as frame relay, DSL or "plain old telephone service" (POTS) can provide the scalability, flexibility and high bandwidth required to support those applications, and whether these technologies can do so affordably. Each option has its tradeoffs. Also, in each case, retailers with nationwide chains have to deal with multiple last-mile service providers for service installation and network maintenance. Because of this, many retailers are selecting two-way satellite networking technology (frequently referred to as VSAT) as the technology of choice for always-on, nationwide, high-speed connectivity coupled with end-to-end network ownership and favorable economics. Enterprises are adopting VSAT platforms not only for emerging IP and Web-based applications, but also for mission-critical, front-office functions such as credit authorization and point-of-sale polling
keyphrases: VSAT IP-based applications retailers