New Edge Networks launched Thursday the New Edge AX, an ecosystem of direct connections to a suite of business applications on its nationwide MPLS platform.

New Edge Networks is partnering with VoIP providers, application service providers (ASPs), software as a service (SaaS) providers, credit card processors, physical security providers and other service providers to deliver this ecosystem of business-critical applications over IP networks that support end-to-end traffic prioritization and predictable application performance. The company planned to announce partnerships with several VoIP providers later this month. Ecosystem partners can connect to New Edge via public peering arrangements or a network-to-network interface. In most cases, the partner pays for the connection, the company said.

“The concept of New Edge AX is similar to the mobile phone industry where a multitude of applications can be accessed via a mobile device,” explained New Edge President Cardi Prinzi. “The important distinction for service providers and customers is that with New Edge AX, the SMB market can access a suite of business applications and services using a secure network solution provided by New Edge as opposed to the public Internet.

“We are essentially creating a marketplace of enterprise-grade applications, in which companies can make selections by industry or business function. As additional application providers come onboard with New Edge AX, customers will be able to add applications available over our highly secure direct network connections.”

Customers already use New Edge AX for direct connections to proprietary applications and various service providers, including VoIP providers and payment processing applications.

GNC, a leading specialty retailer of nutritional products, uses the New Edge Networks infrastructure to support Web-based applications between its corporate headquarters and nearly 2,800 store locations nationwide. According to Don Fogal, Director of IT for GNC, “Since becoming a New Edge customer, GNC has significantly lowered payment card processing fees and has saved over $300,000 annually by eliminating phone lines. We are running critical retail applications over the New Edge Networks’ MPLS network literally around-the-clock and doing so with security, performance and reliability.”

In addition, accessing applications over the New Edge AX secure data network environment can assist companies in a variety of industries in meeting certain government and regulatory requirements. For example, New Edge Networks, which is a Level One Payment Card Industry Compliant Service provider, offers direct connections to top-tier financial institutions helping businesses meet PC security standards required by any business that accepts credit card payments. And, for the health care industry, New Edge Networks can support organizations that use applications that transmit confidential patient information to meet Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

New Edge Networks’ indirect sales agents also can sell the services of the ecosystem partners, but would need to establish separate agreements with them, Prinzi said.