MindSpring Certifies Cabletron's SmartSwitch Router for Point-Of-Presence Locations; Leading ISP Selects SSR to Enable Delivery of Internet-Based Services - MindSpring Enterprises, Cabletron Systems SmartSwitch Router 8000 - Product Information

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 16, 1999

Cabletron Systems (NYSE:CS) has announced that MindSpring Enterprises (NASDAQ:MSPG), a leading national Internet service provider (ISP), has approved Cabletron's award-winning SmartSwitch Router 8000 for use at MindSpring Point-of-Presence (POP) locations.

"We can essentially replace a WAN routing device and a LAN switching device with the SmartSwitch Router because it provides the functionality of both," said Greg Hankins, senior network engineer at MindSpring. "The SSR's software features, protocol support, and Command Line Interface work very well - it's a great fit for our environment."

The SSR delivers a unique combination of performance, features and manageability, as well as extremely flexible WAN and LAN interface configurations. These features enable MindSpring to keep up with the ever-changing demands on its network, providing excellent investment value by avoiding costly upgrades.

"Cabletron's SSR enables leading ISP's like MindSpring to increase capacity and performance, as well as build a network that can keep up with the reliability demands of their customers," said Bill Burger, Cabletron's director of service provider marketing. "These capabilities will benefit service providers as they expand to offer e-commerce and other value-added Internet services."

MindSpring offers Internet service in 775 locations throughout the United States, including dial-up access, web hosting packages, electronic mail and newsgroup access. MindSpring's small business web hosting package includes an on-line shopping cart, credit card authentication, and e-commerce support.

Cabletron's SSR family continues to receive recognition for its industry leading functionality. The SSR 8600 was most recently awarded "Product of the Year" by Network Magazine in its May 1999 issue. The SSR 8000 received Data Communication's "Hot Product Backbone Switch" award in January 1999, while the SSR Family was chosen "Product of the Year" in the Network Equipment Router category by CTI Magazine in December 1998. In addition, the SmartSwitch Router was named the market share leader (by ports shipped) for modular Layer 3 switching by the Dell'Oro Group for the period January through March, 1999.

MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:MSPG)(www.mindspring.net) is a leading Internet service provider focused on delivering outstanding service and support to its customers. By following its Core Values and Beliefs, MindSpring is committed to doing an exceptional job of serving its customers, its employees, its owners and its community. MindSpring's dial-up subscribers can browse the World Wide Web, send electronic mail, participate in informative online chats and access over 20,000 newsgroups. MindSpring offers local Internet service in 775 locations throughout the United States. MindSpring is also a leading provider of Web Hosting services and domain registrations.

Cabletron Systems, a premier provider of enterprise-class networking solutions, delivers dependable network access and communications to millions of people worldwide. With scaleable products designed for Fortune 1000 enterprise networks, service providers and small businesses, Cabletron is the e-business communications specialist for the information age. Cabletron's web site can be reached on the Internet at http://www.cabletron.com.