Cabletron and Siemens Cooperate in Meta Directory Solutions Development - Cabletron Systems, Siemens Information and Communications Networks - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Oct 4, 1999

Cabletron Systems and Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc., Monday announced their cooperation in development of meta directory solutions that will enable large companies to more efficiently manage their collection of enterprise-wide heterogeneous networked databases.

Within the scope of the relationship, teams from both companies have integrated Siemens' DirX family of meta directory software products into network hardware products from Cabletron Systems. Through this relationship, both Siemens and Cabletron are increasing their involvement in the meta directory market, an area that industry analysts predict will quickly accelerate over the coming years. Predictions for meta directory market growth are substantiated by the continued pursuit for solutions that optimize business processes and demonstrate a high return on investment.

According to a 1997 Forrester Research study, approximately 1,000 of the world's largest companies each use approximately 180 different directories throughout their respective enterprises. Examples of different corporate directories that commonly co-exist with a company include SAP R/3 or PeopleSoft applications, PBX directories and Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes address directories.

By consolidating these multiple directories into a common meta directory network that can be accessed and updated via a single point of entry, companies can realize enormous savings in administration and maintenance. In addition, meta directories simplify business processes by eliminating errors that occur when multiple databases are synchronized and replicated throughout a company. Potential savings from maintaining a meta directory network result from reduced search times and lower administrative costs.

As part of the cooperation between the Cabletron and Siemens development teams, Cabletron network solutions have been tested for their interoperability with the interfaces of the Siemens meta directory software products and will be certified that all DirX data transfer functions operate correctly.

"Meta directories are one of the most important new developments in the networking area," said P.G. Menom, director of product marketing for Cabletron Systems. "As networked directories become more and more comprehensive, their optimal administration and maintenance has become a business-critical element for large corporations."

Siemens is the leader in meta directory products with a worldwide market share of more than 20 percent, according to the latest market figures from Sara Radicati, a prominent directory services market researcher.

Cabletron offers important advantages for the optimization of communications within companies on the strength of its experience with manufacturer-independent platforms and the high scalability of its products.

"Integrated directory services are key components of present-day and future IT infrastructures," said Dr. Udo Bochum, marketing manager of meta directory services at Siemens Information and Communication Networks. "Because directory-enabled networking has such great growth potential, Siemens views meta directory products as an important strategic initiative. Through our relationship, customers will benefit by the combination of the internationally established, award-winning DirX meta directory software with Cabletron's world-renowned network know-how."

Cabletron Systems, a premier provider of world-class networking solutions, delivers reliable network access and communications to millions of people worldwide. With scaleable products designed for Global 1000 enterprise networks, service providers and small businesses, Cabletron is the e-business communications specialist in the Internet economy. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a decade under the symbol CS, Cabletron is an S&P 500 index company. Cabletron's web site can be reached on the Internet at www.cabletron.com.

Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Siemens Information and Communication Networks provides highly integrated voice, data, and video communication capabilities to carrier and enterprise customers. Last year the company's 7,000 U.S. employees helped generate sales of nearly $2 billion. Its parent firm is Siemens, the pioneering electronics firm with more than 400,000 employees worldwide and global sales that exceeded $66 billion in fiscal 1998. For more information, call 1-800-765-6123 or visit the company's World Wide Web site at http://www.icn.siemens.com.