FutureSoft Demonstrates Spanning Tree Protocol Enhancements -- RSTP & MSTP -- in its Intelligent Switch Solution at Networld+Interop, Las Vegas 2003.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NetWorld+Interop 2003 Las Vegas

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2003

FutureSoft, a leading provider of communication and embedded software solutions, has announced support for the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) in FutureSoft ISS, its integrated switching solution. These features have been exhibited at Networld+Interop, Las Vegas 2003 as part of the demonstration of FutureSoft ISS integrated with the Broadcom 5690 reference board.

FutureSoft ISS is the company's flagship solution offering switching software for Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches. The software enables OEMs/ODMs to shorten their time to market for new designs. It contains support for several Layer 2 & Layer 3 protocols and is available for multiple switching chipsets. RSTP and MSTP support are part of a continuous roadmap of enhancements for the product. With RSTP (based on the IEEE 802.1W standard), the time for convergence of the network, after a change, is reduced significantly. With MSTP (based on the IEEE 802.1S standard), devices can support more than one VLAN without any network loop problems.

"RSTP enables rapid stabilization of the network after failure or reconfiguration. The time taken for restoring the connectivity in a large network can be reduced from approximately 30 seconds to the order of a couple of seconds using this software. MSTP support enhances the number of forwarding paths for data traffic, while ensuring a more optimal use of LAN resources in a VLAN environment. Load balancing is enabled via this feature, which also reduces the impact of failure in the overall network," said T. Sridhar, CTO and Vice President-Engineering, FutureSoft.

FutureSoft TB/STP (Transparent Bridge / Spanning Tree Protocol) provides complete management capabilities. This software can be easily ported to various RTOS and switch hardware environments. Equipment manufacturers can now build high performance and scalable managed Ethernet switches, gateways, and other such devices using this software.

The switching protocol software product also has provision for integrating with Link Aggregation (802.3ad) and Port authentication (802.1x), both included as part of FutureSoft ISS. FutureSoft also provides a flexible licensing scheme, where the RSTP and MSTP protocol software can be licensed as a separate product, along with standard IEEE 802.1D Transparent Bridging and Spanning Tree Protocol (TB/STP).

About FutureSoft:

FutureSoft, an ISO 9001:2000 certified, SEI-CMM-Level 5 company, is a leading provider of communications software solutions, protocol stacks and services to the global communications industry in areas like IP Switching/Routing, Broadband Access, Wireless and Wireline applications. The company also offers a range of embedded software solutions and services that span across multiple domains including automotive, process control, building automation, energy and utility and mobile handheld. The company has wholly owned subsidiaries in US, UK and Taiwan, besides distributors, for addressing the North American, European and Asian markets.