"We selected Acumera for this network transition because of its proven performance [image-nocss] in supporting our Abilene stores," said Tim Patterson, general manager of marketing support at Alon Brands. "Alon Brands is now able to provide FINA branded stores a high-speed, fully managed information management program that allows the transfer of daily pricebook files, digital security recordings, automatic tank gauge readings and other vital files from stores to corporate offices with total security, while limiting in-store access to the Internet."
Dirk Heinen, Acumera's CEO, said, "Acumera's network products and services provide the company with better system integration, lower operating costs, and an easy to use platform to remotely support and update its network."
For Alon Brands, Acumera will be providing network design, WAN provisioning, interface development for existing and future systems and network monitoring and management. This turnkey approach links store systems from multiple different vendors into a common network management framework, while streamlining data flows for increased operational efficiencies.
Acumera uses two key products for Alon service delivery: the Acumera Merchant Gateway and AcuVigil Network Management. The Acumera Merchant Gateway combines five network functions into one device for ease of installation and reduced cost. AcuVigil Network Management reduces deployment and operating costs by providing a web-based view into network status to manage Alon Brands' WAN, VPN and network devices.
Austin, Texas-based Acumera provides turnkey network integration, products and management services for multi-site businesses nationwide. Its network integration services help companies reduce expenses and increase operational effectiveness. Other c-store/petroleum industry clients include Western Refining and Skinny's.
Alon Brands, Dallas, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alon USA Energy Inc. that operates more than 300 convenience stores in the Southwestern United States. As the largest 7-Eleven licensee in the U.S., the majority of these operations are branded as 7-Eleven stores and sell FINA fuel. Alon Brands also manages fuel, credit card and marketing programs under the FINA brand to independent convenience store owners, having more than 1,000 FINA-branded stores in the network.
Alon USA Energy, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products, operating primarily in the South Central, Southwestern and Western regions of the United States. The company owns four crude oil refineries in Texas, California, Louisiana and Oregon, with an aggregate crude oil throughput capacity of approximately 250,000 barrels per day. Alon markets gasoline and diesel products under the FINA brand name and is a leading producer of asphalt. Alon also operates more than 300 convenience stores primarily in West Texas and New Mexico substantially under the 7-Eleven and FINA brand names and supplies motor fuels to these stores primarily from its Big Spring refinery. In addition, Alon markets under the FINA brand name to approximately 700 additional locations.
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