( BW)(INTEL/FORE)(INTC)(FORE) Intel and FORE Bridge the Gap Between
Ethernet and ATM; Technology Leaders Team to Deliver Best-in-Class,
End-to-End Solutions
Business Editors & Computer Writers
Networld+Interop98
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 1998--
EDITOR'S NOTE: Intel and FORE executives will host a press conference at the Las Vegas Hilton
to discuss the details of this agreement and answer questions at 10:15 a.m.(PDT) on Tuesday, May 5.
To attend via teleconference, dial 800/967-7141 (domestic) or 719/457-2630 (International),
confirmation No. 472458. To hear a recording of the call, dial 888/831-6375 (domestic) or
402/220-0868 (International). An audio replay is also available at:
www.events.audionet.com/events/prnewswire/fore0598. An electronic copy of the presentation is
available on Intel's Web site at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel Corporation (INTC), a leader in Fast Ethernet technology, and FORE Systems, Inc.
(NASDAQ:FORE), a leading ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) provider, will announce an alliance
and unveil their strategy to provide integrated Ethernet and ATM networking solutions for enterprise
customers at a press conference today at the Networld+Interop tradeshow.
Together the two companies plan to create technology and will work to enhance industry
specifications that help deliver the combined benefits of ATM and Ethernet technology for products that
deliver the quality, scalability, price and performance demanded by enterprise customers. The
agreement between Intel and FORE extends beyond joint development of solutions to include some
joint marketing and sales efforts designed to provide best-in-class service.
"Enterprise customers should not be forced to choose between Ethernet and ATM when what they
really need are both. These customers have complex needs that require a balanced solution which helps
seamlessly integrate both technologies across their networks," said Frank Gill, Intel executive vice
president and general manager, Small Business and Networking Group.
ATM and Ethernet both offer distinct advantages. The decision when and where to implement ATM
and Ethernet is dependent upon both the size of the network and the application requirements. ATM
helps provide network reliability and scalability for larger companies utilizing a multiservice Intelligent
Infrastructure(TM) to prioritize traffic and help reduce operational costs by consolidating voice, video
and data simultaneously.
Ethernet provides the affordability and ease of use which is most critical in workgroups or smaller
networking environments. The ideal solution is one that has the ability to incorporate both technologies
and the ability to evolve with a company's business needs. The Intel and FORE alliance will integrate
what has been mistakenly viewed as competing technologies into a comprehensive solution which yields
the benefits of both Ethernet and ATM.
The first result of this agreement is FORE's ES-2810 Switch, which incorporates Intel's Fast Ethernet
switching technology. The ES-2810, which is being demonstrated at Networld+Interop in FORE
Systems' booth, No. 3643, will be available in June. Future products for Intel's customers will include
an ATM Interface for the Intel(R) Express 500 Series of scalable, stackable switches.
"FORE and Intel are uniquely positioned to deliver the best of both ATM and Ethernet, which will
help create an integrated, end-to-end solution," said Thomas J. Gill, president and CEO, FORE
Systems, Inc. "Our goal is to provide balanced computing across an Intelligent Infrastructure offering
comprehensive solutions that give our enterprise customers a clear competitive advantage."
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking
and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at
www.intel.com/pressroom.
FORE Systems is a leading global supplier of networking solutions based on an Intelligent
Infrastructure designed to handle the networked applications of today and tomorrow. FORE's
Networks of Steel(TM) deliver the increased capacity, reduced complexity and unparalleled flexibility
and scalability necessary to build networks that last. Thousands of enterprise and service provider
customers worldwide have put FORE Systems' solutions at the heart of their networks. For more
information on FORE's Networks of Steel, call 888/404-0444.
Note to Editors: Intel(R) is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. FORE Systems is a
registered trademark of FORE Systems, Inc. Intelligent Infrastructure and Networks of Steel are
trademarks of FORE Systems, Inc. All other brand or product names are trademarks of their
respective holders.
--30--slw/sf* azs/sf
CONTACT: Intel
Jessica Daughetee, 503/264-1216 (Press Relations)
jessica.daughetee@intel.com
or
Gerry Van Zandt, 503/264-4399 (Analyst Relations)
gerry.van.zandt@intel.com
or
FORE Systems, Inc.
Rich Borden/Jim Blew, 724/742-4444 (Press Relations)
rborden@FORE.com or jblew@FORE.com
or
Rebecca Thompson, 724/742-7715 (Analyst Relations)
rthompso@FORE.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA NEVADA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED TELECOMMUNICATIONS
TRADESHOW
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