Extreme Networks Introduces Automation Framework, New Edge Switch and Services to Ease Deployment, Operation, and Optimization of Networks
Innovative offerings enhance the network lifecycle and promote more accurate, secure and efficient networks
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 9 / / - Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXTR) is extending the power of network Insight and Control to a new set of Enterprise solutions that are designed to enhance network longevity and to reduce costs associated with change and chaos. These products and services include a new line of Summit(R) X150 value-priced edge switches, an innovative new framework for automating labor-intensive network tasks with pre-built software modules that address the entire network lifecycle, and a new professional services practice focused on the development and delivery of custom automation tools. With today's announcement, Extreme Networks(R) engages the network to help enterprises tackle their toughest infrastructure challenges and help lower the cost of chaos.
Until now, network architects have had to temper their aspirations to build great networks with tight budget realities. With its solutions outlined in today's announcement, Extreme Networks helps Enterprises build more "design equity" into their infrastructures at an affordable cost, reducing the likelihood of redesign costs, equipment "refreshes," or staffing increases driven by new applications that need advanced network support.
The new value-priced Summit X150 Series switches lead the market for a product in this price range with more advanced security and convergence features often unavailable from competitive alternatives. The automation framework helps lower the cost of a complex network by simplifying deployments, streamlining operations, and smoothing network optimization tasks. Professional services are available to support customers who need assistance in developing and delivering an automated solution.
New Summit X150 Series Switches
Extreme Networks is further extending its powerful and versatile line of Summit products with the new Summit(R) X150 series fixed configuration switches in 24 and 48 port models with available power over Ethernet (PoE). The Summit X150 series switches are targeted for wiring closets where convergence and security are required and controlling costs is paramount. With deployment automation provided under the Extreme Networks automation framework, the Summit(R) X150 switches can be set up rapidly and effortlessly. Enterprises benefit from a category-leading feature set that includes high availability options, access control lists (ACLs) and network protocol protection for higher security, and wire-rate sFlow monitoring for advanced network insight. As a result, customers can enjoy design equity that helps their network stand the test of time.
New Automation Framework from Extreme Networks
The Extreme Networks automation framework leverages the powerful modular ExtremeXOS(TM) operating system and the EPICenter(R) management platform to automate network deployment, ongoing operations, and infrastructure optimization. With this announcement, Extreme Networks is extending a growing library of freely available, pre-built automation modules for its products with new tools for specific automation tasks. All modules are built with user-modifiable scripts that can be customized by the user to meet specific needs when necessary.
For network deployment tasks, the CLI scripting capabilities of ExtremeXOS drive implementation of operational parameters and security settings quickly and accurately to large groups of edge switches. Deployment automation can shorten the time needed to bring a switch into production, improve configuration accuracy, and support remote sites with fewer technical resources.
Deployment Automation Modules:
o New Best Practice Module helps to configure management interfaces,
establish basic Quality of Service, and baseline VLANs to segment the
network
o New Voice Grade Network Module helps to configure more advanced Quality
of Service and endpoint detection of IP handsets
For network operational tasks, Extreme Networks Universal Port capability helps enterprises cope with a growing population of phones and devices that connect to the network edge. Operational automation can help efficiently complete moves, adds, and changes with speed and accuracy.
Available Operational Automation Modules:
o IP Handset Provisioning Module - discovers IP handsets from leading IP
Telephony vendors, including Avaya, Cisco, Nortel, Mitel and ShoreTel
and configures the network with pre-defined policies
o New Power Conservation Module - turns off Power over Ethernet during
predefined times of day to reduce energy costs and enhance wireless LAN
security
For network optimization tasks, Extreme Networks CLEAR-Flow capability provides versatile, wire-rate instrumentation and control at the network core. Optimization automation works to precisely tune the network in response to security or performance anomalies.
Optimization Automation Modules:
o New Broadcast Storm Mitigation Module - works with CLEAR-Flow enabled
BlackDiamond(R) switches to help protect against broadcast storms
o New ICMP Imbalance Module - spots route-down problems and IP address
sweeps that can indicate network usage policy violations or hacker
activity
o New Reconnaissance Module - helps protect against TCP-based scans
New Lifecycle Automation Services
Customers can now get professional services from Extreme Networks to create or modify automation tools to meet their specific needs. A new lifecycle automation practice from Extreme Networks' professional services team can deliver a range of services, from architecting the network for automation, to customizing existing modules, to creating new modules for specific needs. Once engaged, customers can select any number of services as they are needed.
"Extreme Networks is committed to helping our customers meet their toughest networking challenges," said Scott Lucas, senior director of solutions marketing for Extreme Networks. "With the Summit X150 series switches, we lead the category with advanced features that are available consistently across our entire edge portfolio - from fast Ethernet to Gigabit. Our automation framework is a powerful foundation for reducing costs, improving accuracy, and enhancing responsiveness. Taken together, these new products and services offer a powerful new approach to building design equity within the Enterprise infrastructure."
Pricing and Availability:
o The Summit X150 Series are available now with a beginning U.S. list
price of U.S. $995 for the 24 port model, $1,495 for 48 port model, and
$2,195 for the 24-port power over Ethernet model
o Deployment, Operations and Optimization software modules are available
at no additional cost with the purchase of ExtremeXOS based switches
Extreme Networks, Inc.
Extreme Networks designs, builds and installs Ethernet infrastructure solutions that solve the toughest business communications challenges. The company's commitment to open networking sets it apart from the alternatives by delivering meaningful insight and unprecedented control to applications and services. Extreme Networks believes openness is the best foundation for growth, freedom, flexibility and choice. Extreme Networks focuses on enterprises and service providers who demand high performance, converged networks that support voice, video and data over a wired and wireless infrastructure. For more information, visit: http://www.extremenetworks.com/.
Extreme Networks, Summit, EPICenter, BlackDiamond, and ExtremeXOS are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Source: Extreme Networks, Inc.
CONTACT: Greg Cross of Extreme Networks, Inc., +1-408-579-3483, gcross@extremenetworks.com
Web site: http://www.extremenetworks.com/
