Ethernet Switches are offered with choice of blades.

Press Release Summary:



Matrix(TM) N-Series flow-based switches are available with choice of 4 Diamond Distributed Forwarding Engines (DFEs), which promote security, routing, and policy scalability for backbone roles in core and distribution layers of enterprise networks. Offering Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet aggregation, DFEs have flow-based architecture and deliver granular, end-to-end visibility and control over individual users, services, and applications as well as firewall-like security.



Original Press Release:



Enterasys Networks Introduces High-Performance Diamond Blades for Matrix N-Series Flow Switches



New DFEs feature advanced routing capability for deployment in distribution layer and core with embedded security to protect users and applications

ANDOVER, Mass., March 26 -- Enterasys Networks, Inc., the Secure Networks Company(TM) today announced the immediate availability of four new Diamond Distributed Forwarding Engines (DFEs), the latest innovation for its industry-leading Enterasys Matrix(TM) N-Series flow-based switches. The new DFEs deliver increased security, routing and policy scalability for backbone roles in the core and distribution layers of enterprise networks.

Designed for use in any Enterasys Matrix N-Series chassis (N7, N5, N3 and N1), Diamond DFEs provide high-performance, high-density Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet aggregation. The Diamond DFEs' flow-based architecture delivers granular, end-to-end visibility and control over individual users, services and applications, as well as firewall-like security on every port for downstream devices through multi-user, multi-method authentication, authorization and audit. Enterasys N-Series flow switches:

- Ensure only the right users are accessing the right information from the right place at the right time
- Discover, classify and prioritize voice and video traffic distinctly from data traffic even though a single port may have 1,000 downstream users
- Prevent the spread of worms or viruses throughout a network and protect users within a VLAN or workgroup through quarantine and isolation of individual conversations - not just ports and/or VLANs.

"The Diamond Distributed Forwarding Engines (DFEs) provide a fast, secure, distributed switching fabric for the N-Series chassis with unique multi-user authentication capabilities - at a price that makes it easy for existing X- Pedition/SSR customers to upgrade," said Tere' Bracco, Senior Research Director - Enterprise, for Current Analysis, a leading industry analysis firm.

Embedded Advanced Security Applications

The Diamond DFEs accept the Matrix Security Module, enabling intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS) and network access control (NAC) solutions to be integrated directly into the high-speed switching fabric on each blade. When combined with Enterasys' policy-based visibility and control software, enterprises can automatically protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information without sacrificing performance.

"From core routing to the network edge, Matrix N-Series switches with Diamond blades deliver the flexibility and features that our financial services organization demands," said Vincent Cottone, vice president of infrastructure services for Eaton Vance, a Boston-based leader in the financial services industry. "We rely on Enterasys to ensure the security and integrity of our information and confidential client records."

Policy-based Visibility and Control

Optimized for Secure Networks(TM) deployments, Diamond DFEs significantly increase the multi-user policy capacities of the Matrix N-Series, providing support for up to 2,000 authenticated users per chassis. This increased capacity enables the Matrix N-Series to act as a policy gateway for downstream devices such as third-party switches, wireless access points, and VPN concentrators to ensure only authorized users and devices (e.g., printers, IP phones and security cameras) can access the network.

"For a law firm, client confidentiality is paramount," said Tim O'Donnell, network analyst for Reed Smith, one of the 15 largest law firms in the world. "Typical network security measures aren't good enough when it comes to protecting clients' personal data from unauthorized access. Reed Smith will deploy Diamond DFEs to ensure that our network delivers the performance, high- availability and - most importantly - the confidentiality our worldwide clients demand."

Upgrade Path for X-Pedition/SSR Users

Diamond DFEs deliver cost-effective, carrier-class reliability for advanced core routing and LAN backbone aggregation applications. These powerful capabilities make N-Series switches with Diamond DFEs the ideal solution for Enterasys customers looking to upgrade their installed X- Pedition/SSR switch-router solutions. Both the X-Pedition/SSR and Matrix N- Series share similar flow-based architectures to provide a smooth migration path for customers.

"Everything we do is completely dependent on the network, particularly our Internet news site, so we need an infrastructure that can deliver robust reliability and security from unauthorized access without sacrificing performance," said Rockie Lam, technical consultant, CIT division of Star Media Group, which includes the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newspaper. "When our deployment is complete, we will have Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Diamond blades in our core, replacing X-Pedition/SSR routers. Enterasys continues to adapt to our evolving needs over time, while protecting our investments."

There are four models of Diamond DFEs. All are available worldwide from Enterasys and its distribution partners with the following U.S. list prices:

- 7GR4270-12
12-port Advanced QoS Backbone Gigabit Ethernet Mini-GBIC (SFP) module - $18,995
- 7GR4280-19
18-port Backbone Gigabit Ethernet Mini-GBIC (SFP) module with NEM expansion slot - $29,995
- 7GR4202-30
30-port 10/100/1000 BaseT Gigabit Ethernet module for Servers - $17,995
- 7KR4290-02
2-port Backbone 10-Gigabit Ethernet module with dual XENPAC port - $23,995

About Enterasys Networks

Enterasys Networks - the Secure Networks Company - is owned by a private investor group led by The Gores Group, LLC and Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC. Enterasys' unique Secure Networks solutions secure any network from any vendor and ensure the integrity and performance of IT services and the business users that rely on them. Thousands of leading companies, government agencies and educational institutions in more than 70 countries rely on Secure Networks solutions to maintain business continuity and protect vital information. The company's culture is centered on the principle "There is nothing more important than our customers." Delivering on that commitment, Secure Networks provides granular, policy-based command and control of individual user, application, device, port and flow performance, and security. Enterasys' architectural approach to network security offers a long technology lifecycle and significant operational and business benefits, while reducing total cost of ownership. Information about Enterasys' award-winning policy- enabled switches, routers, wireless products, security software, and services is available at www.enterasys.com.

About The Gores Group

Founded in 1987, The Gores Group is a private equity firm focused on acquiring controlling interests in mature and growing businesses which can benefit from the firm's operating experience and flexible capital base. The firm combines the operational expertise and detailed due diligence capabilities of a strategic buyer with the seasoned M&A team of a traditional financial buyer. The Gores Group has become a leading investor, primarily in the technology and telecommunications sectors, having demonstrated over time a reliable track record of creating substantial value in its portfolio companies alongside management. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, The Gores Group maintains offices in Boulder, Colorado and London. For more information, please visit www.gores.com.

About Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC

Tennenbaum Capital Partners is a Santa Monica, California-based private investment firm managing over $3.8 billion in assets through private funds. The firm's investment strategy is grounded in a long-term, value approach, and it assists - both financially and operationally - transitional middle-market companies in such industries as technology, healthcare, energy, aerospace, business services, retail and general manufacturing. Tennenbaum's core strengths include its in-depth knowledge of equity and debt-financing vehicles in the public and private markets, as well as a thorough understanding of special situations. For more information, please visit www.tennenbaumcapital.com.

Contact:
Kevin Flanagan
Enterasys Networks
978-684-1473
kevin.flanagan@enterasys.com

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