Hughes Prepares Carter's, Inc. Retail Network for the Future

Major upgrade will provide enhanced network security, improved performance, and more bandwidth

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Jan 31, 2011, 08:00 ET

GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading children's apparel brand, Carter's, Inc., has agreed to a major network upgrade to deliver stronger security, better performance, and in-store wireless connectivity to be provided by Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, and a leading provider of managed network and application services.

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The major upgrade to all of the nearly 500 retail sites provides significant new functionality. The upgrade delivers improved store productivity with Hughes Enterprise Wi-Fi services, enhanced segmentation and security provided by a managed LAN switch and rogue wireless intrusion protection, and improved application performance with increased bandwidth and optimization technology, all fully managed by Hughes.

"We have been a customer of Hughes for over three years and have been satisfied with the network solution and services they have provided us," said Janet Sherlock, Carter's CIO. "When looking to expand our network and applications, Hughes demonstrated that they understood our business and could respond to our needs, allowing us to focus on the bigger picture. We're gaining more bandwidth, and meeting tougher security and compliance requirements with the network applications and infrastructure which Hughes manages for us."

Carter's is committed to providing a superior shopping experience to their customers. To that end, Hughes Enterprise Wi-Fi services will enable Carter's employees to stay connected, productive, and more responsive within the store. Hughes provides a secure, private wireless connection which protects confidential corporate communications. Hughes' rogue scanning functionality is a managed wireless scanning and reporting service that will help Carter's protect against rogue devices from accessing sensitive corporate traffic.

Hughes is also increasing access bandwidth to all store locations which are securely networked via Hughes Optimized VPN services using a variety of technologies, including DSL, cable, 3G, and T1.

In addition, Carter's is leveraging Hughes optimization technology, integral to the Hughes access router, to increase the virtual bandwidth at each store. The additional bandwidth is needed to support inventory management, human resources and back-office applications, along with point-of-sale (POS) system functions for its Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh stores.

"Hughes prides itself on delivering tailored solutions that meet the needs of our customers now and in to the future," said Mike Cook, senior vice president at Hughes. "We are continuing to expand our service portfolio well beyond managed transport as evidenced by our recently announced Wi-Fi, voice over IP, and virtualized branch server offerings. Carter's is an example of a customer that has grown with us and we are thrilled to be delivering a more advanced infrastructure to such a marquee name in the retail industry."

About Carter's, Inc.

Carter's, Inc. is a leading provider of apparel and related products exclusively for babies and young children. The Company owns the Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. These brands are sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally and through more than 400 Company-operated stores and on-line at carters.com and oshkoshbgosh.com. The Company's Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart, and its Genuine Kids, Just One You, and Precious Firsts brands are available at Target. Carter's is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com and www.oshkoshbgosh.com.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50% market share. Its products employ global standards approved by TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUGH). For more information, please visit www.hughes.com.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC