Massachusetts Green School Chooses 10 Gigabit Solution from Extreme Networks to Boost Virtualized Network Performance

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) today announced that its scalable and virtualized Ethernet network solutions have been selected by Manchester Essex Regional Middle and High School to help them provide the best in performance, reliability and efficiency for an end-to-end virtualized network that features Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) at every student's desk.

Manchester Essex Regional Middle and High School recently received the highest level of Massachusetts green school certification and is a top rated public school in the U.S. The school charted a course to simplify IT, improve network connectivity and to promote energy efficiency. Working closely with Extreme Networks channel partner Focus Technology Solutions, a leading systems integrator, took a forward-looking, energy-efficient approach.  The innovative network features Extreme Networks®scalable 10 GbE network foundation that supports state-of-the-art applications and services for Manchester Essex, including WYSE VDI technology and VMware desktop virtualization.

"The school's technology staff frequently receives new technology requests, and with a robust network from Extreme Networks now in place, it is simply a matter of making decisions based on what the school wishes, rather than what the network can actually support," said Stephen Kwiatek, network administrator for Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD)."Being an educational institution, the bottom line often comes down to either the best solution or the best cost. But in the case of our work with Extreme Networks, we feel we got both the absolute best solution for the best price."

"The new network at Manchester Essex regional school district demonstrates the efficiency and increased design options possible with the performance of Extreme Networks' 10 Gigabit Ethernet solutions," said Kevin Ryan, director of data center marketing for Extreme Networks. "Bringing together a complete solution with the help of Focus Technologies has resulted in a next generation network that places the customer ahead of the curve."

To achieve its objectives in addressing increased energy efficiency and network performance, Manchester Essex conducted a thorough evaluation of leading solutions, measuring performance, 10 Gigabit Ethernet port density, and energy efficiency, among other key attributes. Following the direct comparison of competing products and technologies, Extreme Networks rose to the top of Manchester's list of network vendors due to its superior virtualized 10 GbE network solution, featuring its BlackDiamond® 8800 switching platform and its edge solutions featuring wired and wireless.

Following its selection, Extreme Networks delivered to Manchester Essex a scalable 10 Gigabit network that maintains the school's robust VDI environment and network-based storage, all of which support education applications, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), graphic arts, and day-to-day office applications.

Extreme Networks' Four Pillar data center strategy for migrating from physical to virtual to cloud, enable the school's comprehensive virtualization solution.  The solution consists of Extreme Networks BlackDiamond modular switches, its Summit® X450e PoE fixed switches that are stacked at the edge, and Summit WM wireless controllers and Altitude™ 350 access points.

Focus Technology Solutions

Focus is an Information Technology Infrastructure Company, which delivers customized IT solutions designed to address our customers' specific business needs. Our solutions encompass all principle infrastructure areas including Compute Resources, Storage Capacity and Networking. Focus Technology Solutions' experienced and certified engineering resources provide expert design and implementation services. Ongoing solutions support is provided by FocusOn Managed Services, which delivers 24x7 proactive monitoring and management. Through the entire project cycle, from assessment to design and implementation to management, Focus's service delivery team is second to none in providing IT business solutions.

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks provides converged Ethernet network infrastructure that support data, voice and video for enterprises and service providers. The company's network solutions feature high performance, high availability and scalable switching solutions that enable organizations to address real-world communications challenges and opportunities. 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

Extreme Networks, Summit, BlackDiamond and ExtremeXOS are registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other names are the property of their respective owners.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including without limitation statements as to features and benefits of its products 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 and actual results of use of the product in different environments. 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

SOURCE Extreme Networks, Inc.