Cabletron unveils SecureFast VLAN Manager; Industry's only connection-oriented VLAN solution

Business Wire, April 3, 1996

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 1996 -- Cabletron Systems (NYSE:CS), the leading provider of intranet management solutions, today unveiled SecureFast VLAN Manager -- the industry's first connection-oriented virtual LAN (VLAN) solution. Designed to provide a cost-effective, simple-to-use interface for assigning users to a VLAN, the new switch management application provides graphical VLAN management capabilities for Cabletron switches.

In conjunction with this announcement, Cabletron unveiled SecureFast Virtual Networking, a comprehensive product set for implementing and managing switched intranetworks.

"As customers move to implement intranet-based networking infrastructures, virtually every aspect of enterprise networking is going to be profoundly influenced," said Craig Benson, Cabletron's chairman, treasurer and COO. "VLAN Manager, coupled with the management software embedded in our switches, provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for implementing full-scale switched networks."

Initially available as an application for Cabletron's SPECTRUMr enterprise management platform, VLAN Manager addresses critical management requirements in logically defining, managing and configuring virtual LANs. Cabletron will also develop versions to run on SNMP-based management platforms including HP's OpenView, Sun's SunNet Manager and IBM's NetView for AIX, as well as a standalone version for Windows NT.

Through an auto-register function called "Wizard," network administrators can automatically create VLAN groups according to the types of protocols being run on the network (IP, IPX, AppleTalk, NetBios, DecNet, Vines IP). By grouping users and devices according to protocol, network managers can significantly increase overall network performance and simplify the administration of virtual LANs. This feature also saves configuration set-up time and does not require users to type in user addresses.

"VLAN Ready" Switches - The Core

When coupled with Cabletron's powerful SecureFast Switch Client software, users are able to easily implement virtual workgroups that offer features such as layer 3 routing and broadcast containment. VLAN Manager can be used to implement these services on a Cabletron installed base of over 1 million ports.

By combining VLAN Manager with Cabletron's SecureFast Switch Client software, customers receive the following capabilities:

o Automatic VLAN membership based on any criteria. o User membership in multiple VLANs. o Automatic discovery of switch fabric and best path determination for ease of installation and support. o Virtual Routing Services - allows for load balancing and redundant connection management. o Ability to run in both highly routed or switched networking environments.

Cabletron "VLAN Ready" products immediately supporting SecureFast include the Multi Media Access Centerr (MMACr), MMAC-Plusr and the new SmartSwitcht family. Cabletron switches shipping as early as 1993 support SecureFast, enabling customers to preserve hardware investments.

An additional key feature of Cabletron's VLAN Manager technology is it allows customers to easily migrate to the company's more-extensive policy-based VNET Manager. Cabletron's two-tiered virtual networking approach allows customers preserve their initial investment, adding VNET Manager functionality as it is required. VNET Manager has been engineered for customers requiring the full value-added services of the SecureFast Management Suite, including policy management, call management, call accounting and virtual routing.

Pricing and Availability:

SecureFast Product Pricing Availability VLAN Manager $5,995 90 Days

Cabletron Systems is the recognized leader in providing high-performance intranetworking solutions, including LAN and ATM switches and advanced network and systems management software. Under its Synthesis product framework, Cabletron markets products throughout the world for linking and managing enterprise-wide networks.

With corporate headquarters in Rochester, NH, Cabletron employs over 5,700 people worldwide. Cabletron's common stock is traded over the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CS. Over the last four quarters, the company has reported record revenue of $1.1 billion. -0-

Cabletron's World Wide Web site can be reached on the Internet at http://www.cabletron.com/. Cabletron, SecureFast, MMAC, MMAC-Plus, SmartSwitch, SPECTRUM and SPECTRUM for Open Systems are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cabletron Systems. "The Stuff Intranets Are Made Of" is a service mark of Cabletron Systems. All other products or services found in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations.

CONTACT: Cabletron Systems

Darren Orzechowski, 603/337-1282

e-mail: darreno@ctron.com