April 27, 2007 -- -- Internet solutions provider New Edge Networks (newedgenetworks.com), an Earthlink (earthlink.net) subsidiary, announced on Wednesday it has received a $14 million contract to provide a private network to General Nutrition Centers (gnc.com) the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements.

The network will ensure optimal GNC customer privacy, improved network security and high-speed data communications, says New Edge, which will build and manage a private nationwide network to power GNC's new point-of-sale system for more than 3,500 retail outlets. New Edge Networks says the high-speed network will use a blend of DSL, and frame relay technologies.

"This agreement is a testament of the value of a single source provider for private connections anywhere and New Edge Networks' vast DSL coverage which spans almost 90 percent of US business locations," says Linda Beck, president of New Edge Networks. "GNC's new network is scalable for future growth and will enable the company to easily introduce new automated applications that will improve efficiency yet hold down overall communications costs."

New Edge Networks says installation for the first 150 stores is currently underway.

New Edge recently revamped its partner program, offering its channel a direct voice, access to resources, training and incentives.