This would seem to apply to CS as much as Coms. Convergence of data and voice in networks using IP.
Message 3269476
Mix in this and the company seems well positioned:
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Backbone Switch Router Offers Industry's Best Functionality At The
Lowest Price Per Port
As part of a comprehensive strategy to extend the capabilities of
traditional network infrastructures, Cabletron Systems (NYSE:CS) today
announced the SmartSwitch Router family, firmly establishing the
company as a premier provider of high-performance, low-cost routing
solutions for the next generation of networking.
Switch routers represent a quantum leap forward in network
performance, giving companies the chance to construct their networks
in a new way. By combining wire-speed performance with full-function
routing features, switch routers make it possible to simplify network
designs without sacrificing performance, manageability or security.
Cabletron's newly branded products, the SmartSwitch Router family,
were acquired by the company through its recent purchase of
switch-router visionary YAGO Systems, Inc.
"This was a critical acquisition for Cabletron and finally
provides the company with a solution to compete head-on with Cisco and
others for enterprise cores as well as make a play for the
service-provider market," said IDC analyst Esmirelda Silva.(1)
"The YAGO technology opens important doors for Cabletron,
allowing us to aggressively pursue a next-generation LAN backbone
market that according to IDC, is valued at over $9.5 billion," said
Don Reed, Cabletron's president and CEO. "As customers begin to
upgrade their existing campus backbones, it is critical that they
understand that Cabletron offers the industry's best solution for
integrating switch routing into their enterprise networks."
For the first time in several years, many customers are
identifying compelling reasons to upgrade existing backbones to keep
pace with the dramatic bandwidth and performance demands being placed
on the network. While traditional routers are no match for the
requirements being driven by bandwidth hungry applications such as the
Internet, electronic commerce and the centralization of key network
resources, SmartSwitch Routers increase performance by 100 times, at
one-tenth the cost of traditional routers.
Cabletron has outlined a multi-pronged strategy for quickly
integrating the SmartSwitch Router with its award-winning SPECTRUM,
SecureFast and SmartSwitch offerings:
- Pricing/Availability - With pricing beginning at $499 per port
for Fast Ethernet, Cabletron offers better performance (15 - 30
million packets-per-second), capacity (250,000 route entries) and
functionality (IPX and BGP protocol support) -- at the industry's
lowest price per port. The eight slot SmartSwitch Router is available
in the second quarter, with up to 14 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 56
10/100 ports. A 16 slot SmartSwitch Router, supporting up to 30
Gigabit Ethernet and 120 10/100 ports, is expected to begin shipping
in the second half of 1998.
- SecureFast - Using industry standards including 802.1Q for
VLANs, 802.1P for policy and RMON/RMON2 for accounting, Cabletron is
standardizing many SecureFast features. Standardization insures
compatibility with existing SecureFast installations worldwide. The
company plans to continue developing SecureFast value-added features.
- SmartSwitch 6000/9000 Integration - Leveraging the value of
comprehensive integration with Cabletron's SmartSwitch family, the
company expects to integrate the YAGO technology in the second half of
1998.
- WAN Interfaces - For high-speed, wide area network
connectivity, a full line of WAN modules is expected in the second
half of the year. Planned interfaces include PPP, Frame Relay, HSSI,
ATM and Packet over SONET modules at both OC-3 and OC-12 line rates.
- SPECTRUM Management - In conjunction with this announcement,
Cabletron is also unveiling an integrated management module that
exploits SPECTRUM's industry-leading enterprise management
capabilities. The module provides customized management features,
including extensive control and configuration capabilities.
- Service and Support - Building on Cabletron's extensive
experience in the enterprise market, Cabletron's global service and
support resources and channel partners will insure smooth backbone
design and operation.
- Direct Sales and Partner Programs - Simultaneous with volume
shipments of the products, Cabletron is expected to unveil a
comprehensive incentive program targeted at direct customers, as well
as key channel partners.
About Cabletron
Cabletron Systems, a recognized leader in providing high-
performance computer networking products, has provided dependable
network access and communications to millions of people throughout the
world. With scaleable products designed for Fortune 1000 enterprise
networks, service providers and small businesses, Cabletron provides
simple, reliable and cost-effective business solutions for the
information age.
Certain statements in this press release concerning YAGO and
Cabletron constitute forward looking information. The actual results
achieved by Cabletron following the acquisition could differ
materially. Among the factors that could cause actual results to
differ are delays in completing the development and introduction of
products based upon YAGO's technology, competition from existing
competitive products and new products expected to be introduced, the
difficulty of integrating YAGO and Cabletron, including the difficulty
of coordinating geographically separated organizations, and the
distraction from day-to-day business resulting from the required
dedication of management resources. For a more detailed discussion of
the risks and uncertainties related to the Company's business, please
refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 1997.
(1)"Cabletron Delivers on its Multilayer Switching Promise and
Acquires YAGO Systems," Esmirelda Silva, International Data
Corporation, January 1998. |
