SANTA CLARA, CA, Mar 23, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXTR) today announced network solutions that extend simplicity and management consistency beyond the wiring closet to the LAN's outer edge. The ReachNXT(TM) 100-8t, an 8 port enterprise port extender, and the EPICenter(R) 7.0 network management system, provide enterprise-class solutions for eased wired connectivity and extended management to locations at the LAN's outer edge.

Enterprise architects and users alike have faced difficult challenges when addressing wired Ethernet connectivity in conference rooms, visitor areas and similar settings, where network connectivity is often limited or temporary. The ReachNXT enterprise port extender, coupled with enhancements to Extreme Networks' EPICenter management suite, allow for complete visibility and control of the entire network. This helps users who demand reliable, secure Ethernet connections and IT administrators who require visibility and control beyond the wiring closet that are consistent with the rest of the LAN.

"The ReachNXT enterprise port extender is impressive because it allows me to provide secure wired access in our conference rooms for both employees and visiting auditors and consultants," said Troy Wood, senior network administrator for John C. Lincoln Hospitals. "Because it is visible and controlled by EPICenter, which manages our entire network, we can see where, plus what is connected to the ReachNXT, helping maintain command of my campus network from end-to-end."

"Extreme Networks lets enterprises take control of the LAN's outer edge with intelligent solutions that helps reduce deployment and connectivity challenges," said Harpreet Chadha, senior director of product management for Extreme Networks. "By automating discovery and software updates of the ReachNXT enterprise port extender, in conjunction with upstream ExtremeXOS switches, Extreme extends visibility and control for wired connectivity to the furthest reaches of the enterprise."

Ideal for enterprise campus networks, including healthcare and education environments, the ReachNXT 100-8t is an Ethernet port extender that is easy to deploy and monitor, and offers seamless Fast Ethernet connections to devices such as desktop or laptop computers while leveraging the power and consistency of the ExtremeXOS(R) operating system to the access network layer. Most importantly, unlike 8 port unmanaged switches, ReachNXT is visible in EPICenter via the upstream ExtremeXOS switch.

"At the Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies we need to support resident doctors, faculty and staff within large remote partner hospitals," said Chris Howard, network engineer at MSU/KCMS. "The ReachNXT 100-8t provides us with the flexibility to rapidly deploy a reliable wired infrastructure to support our ever-changing connectivity requirements. Additionally, its simplicity of deployment and low cost have reduced our capital and operating expenses at these impermanent, leased locations."

The ReachNXT 100-8t is the first member of a family of enterprise port extenders and includes 8 ports of 10/100Base-T and a combination 1000M uplink port (1000Base-T and 1000Base-X SFP). With its built-in SFP port, Reach-NXT 100-8t also serves as a convenient fiber-to-copper media converter, extending the reach of the network. The ReachNXT 100-8t can be powered by an ExtremeXOS upstream PoE switch or by an external AC power adapter while the 1000Base X SFP is powered by an external wall adapter.

EPICenter 7.0

EPICenter is a scalable network management system that simplifies configuration, troubleshooting and status monitoring of IP-based networks. EPICenter 7.0 includes a new topology map that provides end-to-end network visualization of network services such as VLAN, vMAN, and the EAPS resiliency protocol, which allows effective monitoring and troubleshooting of services. Additionally, EPICenter's improved scripting and fully customizable programming language functionality enables automated deployment and maintenance of network devices and services. EPICenter 7.0 has also been enhanced with an improved look and feel, with an intuitive and easy-to-use graphical interface that makes viewing and controlling the network more efficient.

To provide further flexibility in the adoption of EPICenter, a new entry-level licensing tier is available to address smaller network deployments. Features that were formerly available only under Extreme Networks advanced upgrade license are now included across all EPICenter license tiers, resulting in a consistent set of features across the product line.

Pricing and Availability:

The ReachNXT enterprise port extender and EPICenter 7.0 management suite are available this month. The US list price for the ReachNXT is US $295.00. The US list price for EPICenter 7.0 begins at $2,995.00.

About Extreme Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks provides converged Ethernet networks that support data, voice and video for enterprises and service providers. The company's network solutions feature high performance and high availability switching that deliver insight and control enabling customers to solve their real-world business communications challenges. Operating in more than 50 countries, Extreme Networks provides wired and wireless secure LANs, data center infrastructure and Service Provider Ethernet transport solutions that are complemented by global, 24x7 service and support. For more information, visit: http://www.extremenetworks.com

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including without limitation the performance, functionality and scalability of the BlackDiamond 20808 are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including network design, actual product performance, and use of the products in different environments and configurations. We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this release. Other important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are contained in the Company's 10-Qs and 10-Ks which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).

Extreme Networks, EPICenter, ExtremeXOS and ReachNXT are trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

For more information, contact:
Extreme Networks Public Relations
Greg Cross
408/579-3483
Email Contact

SOURCE: Extreme Networks, Inc.

http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=EF6EFF911B26839A

Copyright 2009 Market Wire, All rights reserved.

News Provided by COMTEX