Cisco Systems Enables End-to-End Solution for Spring Internet World 2000 Show Network.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

Spring Internet World 2000

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2000

Cisco Systems today announced that it will provide the networking infrastructure for the Spring Internet World 2000 trade show running this week, April 3-7, 2000 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With over 800 exhibitors and an expected 50,000 attendees, Cisco will contribute its expertise in delivering end-to-end solutions for mission-critical networks at one of the industry's largest events dedicated to business-to-business Internet technology.

Comprising more than 600 connections, the network was developed in conjunction with Cisco, showNets, LLC and Intermedia/Digex to provide a total network implementation. showNets is the provider of the Internet Access services for Spring Internet World 2000 event and will provide the T1 lines, cabling, technical support, network management, and integration of WAN and LAN components into a single network. Intermedia/Digex serves as the Internet Service Provider, and is provisioning a total of 12 T1 circuits for the network.

"Reliability, performance, manageability and security are all critical components when you put a network to the test the way these types of events do," said Carl Pugh, president, Penton Media Internet World Events. "Knowing that we have Cisco, the worldwide leader for networking the Internet, enabling the most critical elements of our Spring Internet World 2000 show network ensures that we can provide our attendees and exhibitors a successful connectivity experience."

In addition to providing networking equipment, Cisco's contributions to the Spring Internet World 2000 network include network design review, network testing and tuning and on-site technical support. At the heart of the network are two main Network Operation Centers (NOCs), each housing a Cisco Catalyst 2948G-L3 switch, a Cisco 3620 router and various Cisco Layer 2 Ethernet switches. The show network benefits from the Catalyst 2948G-L3 by utilizing its wire speed LAN switching and routing capabilities to manage the projected traffic from more than 600 discrete network connections and over 2000 IP addresses.

"We are pleased to lend our expertise in support of the Spring Internet World 2000's show network with Cisco solutions," said Luca Cafiero, Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Enterprise Line of Business Workgroup Business Unit. "Providing the network infrastructure is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate how Cisco's products are used to drive New World services and solutions."

The Catalyst 2948G-L3 is a high performance, non-blocking fixed configuration switch that provides 48 10/100 Ethernet ports and two Gigabit uplinks in a one and a half rack unit format. The wire speed Layer 3 performance and small footprint make it an ideal switching solution for working within the limited rack space available at the show.

The Cisco 3620 is a member of the Cisco 2600 and 3600 modular multiservice access platform family. The wide range of density and performance options represented in the family, including the Cisco 2600 Series, 3620 Series, 3640 Series, and 3660 Series, allows customers to standardize on Cisco's multiservice access platforms for offices of many sizes and tailor density and performance to the unique requirements of each location. With over 70 modular interface options, the Cisco 2600 and 3600 family provides solutions for voice/data integration, virtual private networks (VPNs), dial access and multiprotocol data routing. The wide range of interfaces protects customers' investments in network technology and integrates the functions of several devices into a single, manageable solution.

"Since our inception Cisco has been the official internetworking solutions provider of choice for all our networking events, said Dean Fuller, president of showNets, LLC. "It is no small task to set up and enable over 600 network connections, all with diverse pieces of equipment and objectives to interoperate. We had to have complete confidence in the equipment and the company that we entrust with such a high responsibility. Cisco and its products meet and exceed those requirements in every way, Fuller noted."

Spring Internet World 2000 exhibitors and attendees can utilize the show network in several ways. Exhibitors are able to access the Internet and use it as part of their product or application demonstrations including streaming video, voice and data. For attendees, Penton Media makes available public access terminal areas to enable them to check e-mail or surf the Web. Internet access is provided to these areas via the show network.

About showNets

showNets, LLC, is the premier provider of innovative, flexible and effective temporary network solutions designed to meet the Trade Show, User Conference, and Hotel/Convention Facility Internet access needs by using existing and emerging technologies. Additional information is available at http://www.shownets.net.

About Penton, Media Inc.

Penton Media, Inc. (NYSE: PME) is a leading diversified business media company that produces market-focused magazines, Web sites, trade shows, and conferences. Penton serves the Internet/broadband; natural products/food/retail; manufacturing; electronics; design/engineering; management; supply chain/aviation; government/compliance; mechanical systems/construction; and leisure/hospitality markets. For more information, visit www.penton.com/

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at http://www.cisco.com.

Note to Editors: Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the US and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this documents are the property of their respective owners.

Cisco's solutions can be seen in showNets' Network Operating Center (Room 405) and at Cisco's booth No. MR53.