PATENT AWARDED FOR REAL TIME ELECTRONIC PIN DELIVERY SYSTEM BY U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

Blackstones Pioneering Real Time Electronic PIN Delivery System Predates All Other Claims On Paper and In Practice

(PRWEB December 10 2003--Blackstone, one of the nations leading providers of electronic prepaid products and services, proudly announces that the pioneering Real Time Electronic PIN Delivery System has been awarded its patent.

The patent (No.: US 6,651,885), which was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in June 2000, covers not only the PIN delivery for prepaid products, but also includes the areas of top-up", loyalty, gift card and point of sale activations, as well as real time reporting and the thermal card printing process - a true, one stop prepaid solution.

According to Luis Arias, Blackstones CEO, Based on our extensive research, it is with certainty that this patent predates all existing patents for the dispensing of prepaid products -- prepaid long distance cards, prepaid gift cards, prepaid cellular recharge cards, prepaid home phone service, etc. - both on paper and in practice, as compared to other patents in this marketplace."

The truly innovative multi-function transaction processing system successfully integrates payment processing and prepaid products and services. Using a POS terminal or touch-screen, menu-driven system, merchants can print or activate prepaid cards (calling cards, gift cards, Internet service, wireless recharge cards, etc.) Electronic PINs are delivered via an integrated thermal card printer, accept checks, smart cards and ATM/debit/EBT (electronic benefit transfers) cards, process Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card & Diners Club transactions and view real-time reports.

Blackstone has dedicated untold sums and thousands of hours to develop the Real Time Electronic PIN Delivery System and its proprietary software which has revitalized the electronic transaction and prepaid telecommunications industries. As such, Blackstone will vigorously enforce the patent against infringement to the fullest extent of the law," concludes Clare Morgan, Blackstones director of corporate communications.

A pioneer of the prepaid telecommunications industry, Blackstone is currently one of the countrys largest providers of prepaid products and services through over 300,000 retail locations nationwide. Established and headquartered in Miami, Florida since 1995, Blackstone provides innovative solutions to local, national and international companies seeking to maximize their full potential -- from calling cards, POS terminals, merchant processing, marketing & distribution to self-service and interactive kiosks -- Blackstone offers a complete array of services to design, integrate and maintain high-impact, strategic business solutions via our global network of alliances and resources.

For more information on Blackstones products and services visit www.blackstoneonline.com or call 1-800-639-9590.
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