Avocent's KVM OVER IP Switching Systems Deployed At Microsoft Technology Center; Avocent's Solutions Now Showcased in Three Microsoft Technology Centers.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2002

Avocent Corporation (NASDAQ:AVCT), the leading global provider of KVM switching and network connectivity appliances, today announced the deployment of its KVM OVER IP(TM) switching systems in the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago, Illinois. Potential customers can now see how easily Avocent's KVM switching systems integrate with other vendors' state of the art network equipment.

Microsoft Technology Centers (MTC) provide everything enterprise customers need -- technology experts, industry leaders, and an outstanding environment -- to envision, architect, test and prove out a complete, customized solution on the Microsoft .NET platform. In addition, the glass encased data center in the MTC enables the MTC's Alliance Members, like Avocent, to showcase and present their latest technology solutions.

Within the MTC in Chicago, Avocent installed several DSR2161 KVM switches that directly connect to existing LAN cabling. CPS1610s and Equinox LAN-to-serial appliances were added so administrators can continue to manage the network if it goes down or if a server powers off. Using the DSView software, administrators can view, check status, reconfigure and even hard reboot servers. The combination of Avocent's KVM OVER IP switching solutions give administrators anytime, anywhere access to their servers at the MTC.

"The MTC data center in Chicago provides our customers with a great opportunity to see our equipment in action in a real life scenario," said Gary Johnson, Avocent's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing. "As the leader in KVM switching, we feel that the Microsoft Technology Centers are an excellent opportunity for our sales people to demonstrate our latest advancements in a convenient location."

"Avocent solutions give us the ability to access our servers not only locally, but from anywhere in the world," said Adam Hecktman, MTC Director for the Chicago facility. "Avocent's KVM OVER IP switching systems provided the most scalable solution for our IT infrastructure needs today, and their IP architecture will allow us to expand our data center in the future."

About Avocent Corporation

Avocent (NASDAQ:AVCT) is the leading worldwide supplier of KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switching, remote access and serial connectivity solutions that provide IT managers with access and control of multiple servers and network data center devices. Avocent's KVM solutions are distributed by the world's largest server manufacturers and installed in Fortune 100 companies around the world. For more details, visit www.avocent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements as defined within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding market opportunity, product development, engineering and design activities, and product availability and operability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including the risks associated with the introduction and operation of a new product, risks associated with product design efforts, and risks associated with reliance on a limited number of component suppliers and single source components. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in Avocent's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2002. Other risks may be detailed from time to time in reports to be filed with the SEC. Avocent does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Avocent and KVM OVER IP are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. All other trademarks or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.