SMC Accelerates Ethernet Switching with World-Class Solutions to Move Up to Gigabit and 10 Gigabit.

IRVINE, Calif. -- Full breadth of switch products maintain focus on quality, ongoing customer support and overall value

SMC(R) Networks (www.smc.com) has introduced several new switch products over the last few months that fill the growing demand for Gigabit and 10 Gigabit solutions. In line with the company's strategic initiative to bring affordable, high-speed switching technology to SMB and Enterprise applications, SMC, a long-time supplier of switch technology, continues to bring leading-edge technology to its customers. As the market evolves and redistributes, SMC has the full breadth of products to address the ongoing changes in demand for all of the market segments it serves.

10Gig, an exciting new development now, is making steady advances as the technology of choice, and is destined to be the dominant technology at the backbone as well as for today's mega-storage applications. SMC is out front with the recently introduced -- and available -- SMC8708L2 8-port Layer 2 10G switch, as well as multiple Layer 2 and 3 stackable Gigabit switches that offer a full line of 10Gig uplinks, including its "first to market" 10G XFP copper uplink that runs over standard Cat5 cable. SMC plans to deliver a Layer 3 version of its 8-port 10G switch later this year.

The transition from 10/100 to Gigabit switching continues to accelerate as more low-cost chips for Gigabit technology are being developed, resulting in lower-cost Gigabit switching solutions. The resulting drop in pricing is broadening demand for Gigabit -- right down to the desktop. According to IDC, 44% of PC nodes will be Gigabit capable in 2005, growing to 67% by 2007. SMC's strong and growing portfolio of Gigabit switches will make it cost effective and practical for more networks to transition to greater bandwidth. For the SMB and workgroup markets, and customers looking to make the step up to Gigabit networks, SMC's highly affordable switch offerings range from high-density, Layer 2- and 3-managed, like the TigerStack(TM) 1000 48-port SMC8748ML3; to low-density, unmanaged, like the EZ Switch(TM) 1000 16-port SMC8516T. Layer 2 Gigabit adoption will continue to accelerate as prices lower in comparison to 10/100 making this technology the primary choice for the workgroup; but L3 and 10G will remain the solution of choice for aggregation.

To further address the Gigabit transition, SMC will deliver a comprehensive line of smart switches in July 2005, which will make Gigabit technology more adaptable to smaller business applications. Smart switch technology is emerging as a low-cost Gigabit solution that provides Web-based management and critical QoS features in a less-complicated, less-expensive solution that makes it the choice for smaller, more simplified LAN applications. SMC's development of smart switches for those lower-end managed applications is ongoing with specific focus on delivering just the right amount of features that make these highly cost effective in small business environments.

While maintaining a strong high-end switch portfolio for the SMB/e market, SMC is also addressing the emerging desktop Gigabit demand in the SOHO market, most recently with a family of ultra-low-density Gigabit switches for desktop and SOHO use, the SMCGS5 and SMCGS8. Introduced earlier this year, the new desktop Gig switches meet -- head-on -- the price, form factor and ease of use requirements for desktop placement, with the added value that they're backed by SMC's reliable tech support and solid warranties. As the transition to Gigabit switching solutions accelerates, SMC's expanding worldwide market share is due to two critical factors: the quality and breadth of its product lines and the strategic partnerships it has developed around the world to provide solutions into key vertical markets.

SMC works with integrators and solutions providers to offer these new 10G solutions along with other products from its vast portfolio, teaming to meet companies' full systems needs. SMC is committed to supporting its partners with an arsenal of strong network hardware for wired and wireless applications that includes switch technology ranging from simple unmanaged 10/100/1000 to fully managed L2/3/4 10 Gigabit and enterprise-class wireless access points that deliver much-needed security and management, as well as Power over Ethernet switches for Voice over IP and wireless applications. SMC meets the challenge through its worldwide channel partner programs to deliver value-added networking solutions from classroom wireless access for university students to public school district networks; from military bases to small businesses and into the enterprise.

"SMC succeeds because of our commitment to our customers' overall satisfaction," said Paul Kim, SMC Networks' CEO. "SMC's end customers and VARs alike keep coming back because SMC offers a broad portfolio of high-quality, easy-to-use products for networking -- a portfolio that continues to grow and evolve as the technology advances -- and we support those products with best-in-class warranties, technical support and trade programs. And, SMC knows the markets in which it chooses to compete, and we partner with the VARs and integrators who serve them. We know what the unique and common needs of our enterprise, hospitality, government, small business, education and SOHO users need -- and we deliver it."

For more information about SMC Networks or its products, visit www.smc.com or call 800-SMC-4You (800-762-4968).