Newsbit

Friday June 25, 9:00 am, Eastern Time Company Press Release

The Pathways Group, Inc: Pathways Announces Contract With San Francisco's Blue & Gold Fleet to Install Unattended Ticketing System

The Pathways Group, Inc. Signs Contract to Install Two SPRINTICKET(TM) Dispensers at the Heart of San Francisco's Historic Fisherman's Wharf

WOODINVILLE, Wash., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pathways Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTHW - news) announced today that it has signed a contract to install two SPRINTICKET(TM) unattended ticketing dispensers at Blue & Gold Fleet's Pier 41 location at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. The rugged, all-weather design of SPRINTICKET dispensers makes them ideally suited for outdoor, unattended, point-of-sale ticket purchases. It is anticipated that the two kiosks will offset ticket lines at Blue & Gold Fleet's attended windows and provide customers with the ability to purchase tickets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Under the standard terms of the contract, Pathways will perform credit card authorization at the time of purchase and end-of-day account reconciliation for all SPRINTICKET transactions.

Every SPRINTICKET system operates on state-of-the-art hardware platforms using standard Microsoft? operating systems and an SQL database. The use of off-the-shelf hardware and software components provides industry standard reliability and the ability to migrate more easily to new technologies. This also allows Pathways to more readily integrate client accounting and other data processing needs into the SPRINTICKET sales and reporting process.

The versatility of Pathways' proprietary software program will allow Blue & Gold Fleet personnel the freedom to add new products, change product pricing, change hours of operation, add promotional items or change event times using easy-to-follow, menu-driven screens. Functions such as monitoring dispenser operation, collecting product sales information, applying full or partial credit to a customer's account, or generating up-to-date reports can all be done without leaving the office chair.

In addition to accepting all major credit cards, SPRINTICKET dispensers are designed to accept smart cards. As the use of smart card technology expands in the marketplace, Blue & Gold Fleet will have the ability to create and process a proprietary loyalty system. A program is currently being considered in which commuters would be offered the ability to purchase rechargeable smart cards. These commuter cards would eliminate the need for customers to make repeat ticket purchases, permitting them to get past the crowds and to their seats faster and easier. Moreover, use of the smart cards would reward Blue & Gold Fleet customers by allowing them to acquire loyalty points to be redeemed for discounts and promotional services. Pathways' integrated system and backroom support will also provide Blue & Gold Fleet with database management, security, card stock management, personalization, and the facilitation of account settlement.

Situated on Pier 41 at the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, Blue & Gold Fleet offers cruises, ferry services, and tours around the San Francisco Peninsula and neighboring Northern California locations. Each year, approximately 3.5 million visitors from around the world pass through Blue & Gold's gateway to fun and adventure, by water or by land. Residents rely on the ferry service for a fast and convenient means to get to and from the office, browse in nearby specialty stores, dine at gourmet restaurants, visit community art galleries, or simply enjoy the spectacular Bay tours.

Mr. Taylor Safford, Vice President of Finance and Administration, was quoted as saying, ``Blue & Gold Fleet evaluated several ticketing alternatives and has selected SPRINTICKET as the best available in the marketplace.''

Mr. Carey Daly, President and CEO of The Pathways Group, Inc. said, ``Our SPRINTICKET system continues to experience a high rate of interest and acceptance. We are pleased to provide Blue & Gold Fleet with a proven unattended ticketing system that exceeds anything being offered in the industry today. We look forward to a successful collaboration that offers increased opportunities for both companies.''

The Pathways Group, Inc., celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, provides clients with innovative and unique solutions for securely creating, capturing and processing data and electronic transactions using custom application software and hardware systems. The company was established in 1987 by Carey Daly and has evolved as a leader in the development of custom software and hardware for electronic banking, data and transaction processing, and smart card applications. Pathways' creation of proprietary ``back office'' systems allows for the capture and processing of data and transfer of funds via ``ACH'' protocol, the standard used in the banking industry for transfer of funds in retail, medical and institutional environments.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Investors are cautioned that such forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, dependence on the developing smart card marketplace; market acceptance of the company's products; the rate at which the company's customers deploy smart card solutions; and dependence on third party marketing arrangements.

    CONTACT:  Carey F. Daly II, President & CEO
              707-546-3010
              fax 707-546-4041
              [email protected]

              Mark T. Schuur, Sr. VP, CFO & Investor Relations
              425-483-3411
              fax 425-485-4476
              [email protected]

              Joe Schuler, Sr. VP - Marketing & Sales
              707-546-3010
              fax 707-546-4041
              [email protected]

              Bob Haller, Executive Vice President
              425-483-3411
              fax 425-485-4476
              [email protected]




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T: +44 (0)1672 511 094
F: +44 (0)1672 511 078
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W: www.netshift.com

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