Expand Networks Launches Compass Partner Program; Brings the Most Comprehensive Branch Office IT Solutions to the Channel, Opening the Door to the Burgeoning WAN/WAFS Market.

ROSELAND, N.J. -- Expand Networks today announced that the company is accelerating its go-to-market strategy with a leading-edge channel initiative, the Compass Partner Program. The Expand channel strategy follows the company's recent acquisition of Wide Area File Services (WAFS) vendor DiskSites, a move that positions Expand as the first vendor to deliver a fully integrated multiservice WAN/WAFS platform known as the Compass Platform: http://www.expand.com/Products/Index.aspx?URL=/Products/Expand-Compass .aspx (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Expand's new program includes a compelling channel recruitment initiative focused on the convergence of WAN Optimization and WAFS and offers the most comprehensive platform combined with revenue and margin incentives, marketing, engineering and technical support and demand generation, giving resellers a way to tap into the rapidly growing WAN/WAFS market and accelerate their businesses and profitability.

Expand Networks has experienced strong channel demand for Compass since the January launch coming from existing partners, which include Emergent Online and Dimension Data, as well as new ones joining the program such as Syscom (USA) Inc., Optimus Solutions, Latus Point and Software House International.

Expand's Compass Partner Program, which seeks to grow with top-level value-added resellers (VARS), System Integrators, Service Providers and OEMs across the globe, supports partners with all the relevant resources, training, support and access to a profitable customer base with attractive margins. A new e-Learning program designed by on line training experts Q6 complements the hands-on training and personalized SE support that have been a standard part of Expand Networks' partner support and forms the backbone of the new certification program.

"Having reasserted our leadership position with the Expand Compass Platform we are aggressively building out our global coverage model with the recruitment of a new breed of partner," said Christopher Williams, Chief Marketing Officer, Expand Networks, who also oversees Global Channels. "As our solutions migrate from the remote branch office back into the data center, our program selectively targets the top resellers/partners that are delivering solutions to the market around our WAN and WAFS offerings. It is important to focus not only on the horizontal WAN Optimization market, but increasingly around verticals revolving around on our seven strategic initiatives; Server Consolidation, Web Applications Deployment, Server-Based Computing, Disaster Recovery, Satellite Communications, Voice & Data Convergence and Optimizing MPLS WANs."

"Expand's Compass Partner Program is dynamic and ahead of the curve," said Paul Ghostine, CEO, Emergent OnLine. "As an Expand Channel partner for more than four years, we are only interested in partnering with vendors who provide a full solution and dedication to working with us on a collaborative level. Expand is not only VAR-centric, but also has the leading products to accelerate the network."

Critical issues occur within businesses when slow running networks compromise remote office productivity. In order to protect and enhance business productivity, companies with remote branch offices need to implement a proactive approach to application performance and availability. Without a strategy in place that aligns the IT infrastructure initiatives to the business mandates, companies suffer from setbacks such as poorly performing applications, delays and potential lost data, which could challenge productivity and place compliance efforts in jeopardy.

Analyst firm Gartner Group said in a recent report that the WAN market grew to $1.2 billion worldwide in 2005, a 36 percent spike over 2004. Gartner has rated Expand as a market leader in their most recent MarketScope report.

"As trusted advisors to our clients on the complex nuances of network technologies, we're looking for products that stand out in the crowd and address the pain points, namely WAN and WAFS issues," said Mark Yamaura, Director of Systems Engineering and Technical Marketing of Syscom (USA) Inc. "We looked at several technology partners and Expand offered the most comprehensive solution in Compass, a market-tested and proven platform. It is the perfect complement to our existing networking business. Becoming part of the booming Compass ecosystem is a core part of our strategy and is key to our growth plans and business. As resellers, we are always looking for new business opportunities and Expand's products fit in any environment - no matter what the core business is. With a compelling discount margin program coupled with their dedicated channel support, the Expands Compass Partner program offers advantages other vendors can't match."

For additional information about Expand's Compass Partner program, please visit http://www.expand.com/Partners/Index.aspx?URL=/Partners/Partners.aspx

About Expand Networks

Expand Networks is the pioneer and leader in helping organizations simplify their IT infrastructure while delivering remote offices fast, reliable and secure access to networked applications. This results in improved user productivity and cost-effective IT management. Expand offers a multi-service integrated platform that ensures superior performance for any application over any network. From its headquarters in Roseland, NJ and its global locations, Expand Networks (www.expand.com) serves more than 1,350 enterprise and government customers including:, American Express, Bacardi USA, BMW, Continental Airlines, Carr America, Colgate, Elizabeth Arden, Reed Exhibitions, Target and United States Department of Defense.

Expand Networks, Accelerator, Expand Compass, ExpandView are trademarks of Expand Networks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.