City of Mesa Creates High-Availability Communications Infrastructure for City Applications With Enterasys Networks' Switching and Routing Technologies.

Business/Technology Editors

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. & MESA, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2002

X-Pedition Switch Router and Matrix Switches Enable Scalable Network

Infrastructure at Gigabit Speeds for Arizona's Third Largest City

Enterasys Networks Inc. (NYSE: ETS), a leader in enterprise networking solutions, announced that the City of Mesa, the 43rd largest city in the United States with a population of more than 400,000, has implemented Enterasys' X-Pedition switch routers and Matrix switches to provide scalable network connectivity to support the City's growing e-government efforts. In addition, the City is establishing a secondary communications facility that will mirror their central communications data center as a redundant disaster recovery network to ensure availability to the City's critical applications, including the core 911 system.

"Mesa is committed to providing quality services to its citizens. These services encompass aspects that affect our daily lives - from public safety, such as police and fire systems, to utilities, educational or environmental offerings. There is no room for network downtime," said Shirl Butler, senior technology manager for the City of Mesa. "By creating a secondary communications data center, we are implementing the redundancy needed to ensure that our applications and services are always available to city employees and our citizens."

Mesa first selected Enterasys Networks for its network migration from a Token Ring to an Ethernet environment to ensure scalability for emerging technologies and growing e-government initiatives. Utilizing Enterasys' X-Pedition 8000 switch routers in the core, the City implemented a meshed network topology delivering both Gigabit and Fast Ethernet connectivity, depending on user demand. In addition, Enterasys' Matrix E6, modular switches serve as the city's main distribution switches.

"Enterasys' modular design enables us to easily add additional speed with new modules and maintain a truly scalable network infrastructure. The functionality of their switches and switch routers also allows us to set up VLANs and aid in the management and security of such an extensive infrastructure," continued Butler. "However, it is probably their service to the City that has been an unexpected surprise. A migration from Token Ring to switched Ethernet presents some very challenging situations, however Enterasys' engineers have provided outstanding service throughout the migration."

The new communications facility will not only serve as a redundant back-up for the City's network infrastructure, it is also the front-end to the network and its applications, including the City's 911 system incorporating police and fire records and dispatch, as well as the City's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) system which controls and monitors all water, wastewater, gas and electric remote facilities from the Utilities Control Center.

Ames Business & Learning Environments (ABLE) Inc., an Enterasys partner, was also involved in the development of the secondary communications facility, with Enterasys and ABLE engineers working with the City of Mesa to build the redundant network communications center.

"Today, the availability of data networks to city employees has never been more crucial, says ABLE, Inc. president Brandon Ames. "Through the partnership between our three organizations, significant strides have been made to roll out a truly redundant infrastructure unparalleled by the surrounding communities."

"The City of Mesa's network infrastructure provides the availability, security and scalability needed for its expanding e-government initiatives," said Kelly Gould, regional vice president for Enterasys Networks. "Utilizing the advanced features of Enterasys' Layer 3 technologies, the City has built a strong foundation that will support them well into the future."

With a networking staff of nine people to support an infrastructure of approximately 5,000 users, the City must deploy top-notch technologies. Currently, the Information Services Division is evaluating Enterasys wireless and VPN technologies to provide added mobility and flexible remote access. Future projects also include new e-government projects for the Utility Billing Customer Information System and Parks and Recreation.

"Our strategic planning efforts include methods for integrating more e-government offerings within our services to ensure that we provide our citizens with the resources needed to support their daily lives," concluded Butler. "Here in the City's IT division, we are ensuring that we have a scalable network infrastructure ready to support new web technologies and e-government applications."

About the City of Mesa

The City of Mesa is one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. Between 1990 and 2000, Mesa's population jumped 37.6 percent, and is expected to reach 500,000 by 2020. The City is attractive to newcomers because of its low cost of doing business, a reasonable tax structure, a skilled and well-educated workforce, low crime rate, superior schools, affordable housing and excellent quality of life. Mesa is 15 miles east of Phoenix and covers more than 120 square miles. The City offers advantages of a suburban environment and a thriving metropolis, yet maintains the warmth and charm of a small town. For more information, log onto the City's Web site at www.ci.mesa.az.us

About Ames Business & Learning Environments

ABLE Inc. is an enterprise integrator specializing in turnkey technology solutions for state and local government as well as the educational market place in the Southwest. A well-known service provider in the state of Arizona for 8 years, ABLE's strategy is to design, build and then deploy total technology solutions addressing all areas of enterprise networking, voice & video convergence, telecommunications, wireless, security and post installation service and support.

For more information, visit www.ableinc.com or call 480-477-0100 and ask for Jerry.

About Enterasys Networks

Enterasys Networks (NYSE: ETS) is a leading worldwide provider of communications infrastructures for enterprise-class customers. Enterasys' networking hardware and software offerings deliver the innovative security, availability and mobility solutions required by Global 2000 organizations coupled with the industry's strongest service and support. For more information, visit www.enterasys.com.

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