Force10 Networks Expands S-Series Family of Access Switches to Bring High Performance Resiliency to the Network Edge.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Force10 Networks([R]), the pioneer in building and securing high performance networks, today announced that it is expanding its S-Series family of access switches to bring high performance resiliency to the edge of the network, ensuring transparency between the data center and the local area network. With the introduction of the S50V and S25 to its product portfolio, Force10 is delivering the resilient power over Ethernet (PoE) and secure connectivity organizations require to build advanced network edges that provide seamless access to mission critical applications.

"To build out a state-of-the-art network in our new facility, we deployed the Force10 E-Series([R]) for our high performance research needs and are extending that deployment with the S50V to provide POE capabilities for our VOIP and wireless connectivity," said Tim Korb, assistant department head of the Department of Computer Science at Purdue University. "The Force10 S50V delivers the resilient density we need to build out an advanced infrastructure that can reliably support hundreds of faculty, employees, researchers and students."

As enterprises continue to adopt VOIP, expand wireless connectivity and locate strategic assets in the data center, it is essential to ensure maximum uptime and access to critical business applications. The S50V brings resilient, high density power over Ethernet in a compact form factor to the network edge. With 48 line-rate Gigabit Ethernet ports and four optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, the S50V provides the capacity and functionality organizations require at the edge of their networks.

For organizations that are building secure, advanced network edges, Force10 is introducing the S25 to its product portfolio. With 24 fiber Gigabit Ethernet ports and four optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, the Force10 S25 cost effectively delivers a higher level of protected capacity to secure the network edge. The increase in network intrusions has created a need for greater security in the wiring closet. However, enterprise network economics dictate that the edge must also cost effectively support applications such as VOIP and wireless connectivity. With high density fiber, port security, 802.1x and access control lists, the S25 delivers the secure networking functionality IT managers require to secure their wiring closets.

As networks and applications continue to evolve, equipment flexibility is essential to managing the product life cycle. The Force10 S50V and S25 deliver maximum flexibility by providing IT managers with the option to add both stacking capabilities and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. With optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet and stacking, IT managers can add the functionality as needed to tailor the switches to their network requirements, reducing initial deployment costs. This level of flexibility also allows organizations to repurpose the S50V and S25 in various locations, extending the lifetime of both products and providing a high level of investment protection.

Both the S50V and S25 deliver maximum resiliency through stacking capabilities that enable network operators to connect up to eight switches that can then be managed as a single switch. With stacked link aggregation and automatic failover stacking, if a single switch fails, the others continue to process traffic, ensuring maximum network uptime.

"Force10 is leveraging its expertise in the high performance data center to cost effectively bring core-like resiliency to the network edge," said Andrew Feldman, vice president of marketing at Force10 Networks. "By strategically expanding its product portfolio to target additional markets, Force10 is enabling a more resilient network from core to edge."

As Force10 continues to expand its customer base from high performance data centers and service providers to the enterprise LAN, it is also expanding its product portfolio to cost effectively deliver the scalable and flexible solutions enterprises require in their evolving networks.

About Force10 Networks

Force10 Networks is the pioneer in building and securing high performance networks. Based on a revolutionary system architecture that delivers best-in-class resiliency and massive scalability, Force10's TeraScale E-Series switch/routers ensure predictable application performance, increase network availability, and reduce operating costs. Today, many of the world's largest Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks depend on Force10 Networks. For additional information, please visit www.force10networks.com.

Force10 Networks and E-Series are registered trademarks, and P-Series, S-Series, TeraScale and FTOS are trademarks of Force10 Networks, Inc. All other company names are trademarks of their respective holders.