SWITCH METRO TEST PROGRAM [Network World, 5/3]
How is Cisco different from 3Com, Allied Telesyn, Alteon, Anritsu, Cabletron, Compaq, D-Link, Extreme, Foundry, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Madge, Nbase, NEO Networks, Nortel/Bay, Olicom, Performance Technologies, VIPswitch and Xylan? Cisco is the only major vendor that won't take part in the Network World/Tolly Group Switch Metric test program. All the vendors above think the Switch Metric is a good idea -- except Cisco. Cisco said customers aren't interested in performance tests, but rather want "systems tests" that focus on "robust features and essential functionality to run mission-critical enterprise networks." We agree that testing those higher-level functions makes sense. But the Switch Metric is a baseline that will help you determine how solid a foundation all those higher-level functions are built on. Cisco said you don't need this information. I couldn't disagree more. If you're a Cisco customer, ask your representative why Cisco won't make your
life easier by taking part in the Switch Metric. If you're one of Cisco's competitors, you should be getting every customer to ask that question.
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