Extreme Networks unveils BlackDiamond 8900-series modules raising the bar for 10 Gigabit performance and value

Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) today raised the bar for data center and high performance networking with the introduction of the BlackDiamond® 8900-series modules for the BlackDiamond 8800 series switch. This purpose-built enterprise architecture for next generation data centers enables market-leading scalability of 10 Gigabit Ethernet, up to 582 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a single rack, while delivering energy efficiency and compelling value.

The increased growth of Ethernet services and resource intensive applications such as high definition video, Web 2.0 social platforms and UC collaboration, coupled with the trend for virtualization, server consolidation and IT outsourcing, are driving demands for highly scalable 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks in data centers and managed hosting facilities. Further, the trend towards more nimble, easy-to-manage cloud computing environments requires scalable networks that are easy to integrate and automate, as data centers leverage existing network assets. The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules deliver with the performance and measurable value per dollar to support these advancing applications and architectural challenges.

Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 8900-series modules upgrade the BlackDiamond 8800 platform with a 3.8 terabit switching fabric. Featuring the foundation of an advanced modular network operating system, ExtremeXOS®, the BlackDiamond 8800 series switches provide quick integration and automation of network environments via Universal Port. Also enabled are XML, CLI and SNMP interfaces through EPICenter, a full-featured network management tool. This provides customers with a flexible Ethernet networking and management portfolio of tightly integrated tools for managing their next generation data centers.

“Organizations today are thinking about a few key things concerning their data center, including price/performance for their transition to 10 gigabit, energy efficiency and the consistency and ease-of-operation of their total solution,” said Jon Oltsik, principal analyst for the Enterprise Strategy Group.” With today’s announcement, Extreme Networks is providing a compelling solution that gives customers a high performance and cost-effective data center solution.”

Power Efficiency for the Data Center

The unique design of the BlackDiamond 8900-series modules enable this powerful switching platform to be one of the most energy efficient solutions available. Combined with dynamic energy management features that are enabled through Extreme Networks open data center framework, customers can effectively automate power management capabilities. This allows power conservation based on variations in demand. For example, during off-peak hours the switch can enter hibernation mode and reduce power consumption by 70 percent.

The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules join Extreme Networks award-winning family of high performance Ethernet solutions, including the Summit® X450a and Summit X650, Top of Rack fixed switches within the data center. These modules complete Extreme Networks Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet data center networking portfolio, giving customers a wide choice of products for Top of Rack and End of Row architectures.

“With the introduction of the BlackDiamond 8900-series modules, Extreme Networks uniquely addresses data center: performance, lower cost of ownership and flexibility in design,” said Paul Hooper, vice president and general manager for the Volume Products

Group for Extreme Networks. “The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules meet these requirements by enabling dramatic scaling of the network while keeping costs in check.”

Extreme Networks will demonstrate the new BlackDiamond 8900 series modules and its full line of data center solutions at Interop Las Vegas 2009, please visit us at Booth #1813. For more information about Extreme Networks data center solutions, visit:

http://www.extremenetworks.com/solutions/datacenter.aspx.

Pricing and Availability

The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules will be available this quarter.The management switch module, BlackDiamond 8900-MSM128 has Asia Pacific list price of $27,495. The BlackDiamond 8900-10G24X-c module has APAC list price of $49,495. The BlackDiamond 8900-G96T-c module has APAC list price of $27,495.

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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

BlackDiamond, EPICenter, Extreme Networks, ExtremeXOS and Summit are either a trademark or registered trademark of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.