Cabletron launches Synergy-Plus Partner Program in Europe, Middle-East and Africa; Sales distribution and partners program to increase Cabletron's market share.

ROCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 1996 -- Cabletron Systems (NYSE: CS) unveiled today its European Partners program called Synergy-Plus. Synergy-Plus will increase Cabletron's market presence in Europe, Middle-East and Africa (EMEA) by strengthening relationships with its strategic value added resellers (VARs), integrators and national telecommunications companies while Cabletron's sales force continues a direct relationship with large multinationals and institutions.

"Cabletron built the best direct sales and support organization in the industry. Today, we are ready to focus key members of our European team on building an equally effective indirect sales program. These strengthened sales channels, supported by Cabletron, will create new, previously untapped sales opportunities and generate increased revenue," said S. Robert Levine, president and chief executive officer, Cabletron Systems.

Synergy-Plus is structured to support the sales efforts of Cabletron partners the areas of networking hardware, management software and support. The Synergy-Plus program starts immediately and will be supported by Cabletron's Partner teams located in 20 offices across Europe, the Middle-East and Africa.

"The Synergy-Plus program is not a change of strategy for Cabletron, instead, signals the development of a new sales area for the company," said Joe Solari, president, Cabletron Systems Europe. "We're committed to this program and do not intend to waiver from it. The more a partner commits to the program, the more they will get out of it."

Synergy-Plus was developed by Cabletron's European management team to answer the needs of the VAR community. According to Jean-Claude Tagger, european business development director, this program considers the partner as an extension of Cabletron to the customer and promotes the partner's strengths while preserving the country-specific and specialized sales programs already implemented. The flexibility of Synergy-Plus is based on the different skills and expertise of Cabletron's resellers.

Synergy-Plus offers VARs various levels of certification based upon each resellers business investment and technical expertise. Cabletron partners reach the highest level of certification, called Center of Excellence, by demonstrating a broad range of industry expertise. A reseller can also become a Cabletron Premier Partner by specializing in either Spectrum, Cabletron's industry-leading network management software, or by providing a high-level of support and service.

Synergy-Plus Partners Program guidelines:

o A well-defined partner business strategy;

o Clearly defined entry and certification levels leading to Center of Excellence or Premier Partner status;

o Professional training programs on Cabletron products and technology;

o Partners receive the same level of information and training as Cabletron's internal teams;

o Partner sales efforts are enhanced by a comprehensive range of business supports and services;

o Partners work with a local Cabletron representative to ensure a successful working relationship for both companies and

o A clear pricing policy.

Cabletron Systems, Inc., is the largest company in the world dedicated exclusively to computer networking products and services. With corporate headquarters in Rochester, NH, the company has 90 offices around the world and employs 5,500 people. Cabletron develops, manufactures and markets and services high quality internetworking products as well as the industry's most advanced network and systems management software based on its Synthesis product framework.

Cabletron directly services customer sites around the globe and provides 7 x 24 support coverage, with free telephone support. A component of the S&P 500 index, Cabletron's common stock is traded over the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CS. Over the last four quarters the company has reported record revenue of approximately $1 billion and earnings of $202 million. -0-

Cabletron's World Wide Web site can be reached on the Internet at http// www.ctron.com. Cabletron, Spectrum and Synthesis are trademarks of Cabletron Systems. All other products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations.

CONTACT: Cabletron Systems

Bob Olson 

603-337-1048

e-mail: [e-mail]