GlobalNetwork Technology Services Acquires Ohio-Based Georetiary Networks Inc.; Acquisition Adds Increased Scope of Services to the GNTS Portfolio of Offerings

Business Wire, April 24, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

ROCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2000

GlobalNetwork Technology Services (GNTS), a consulting firm focused on delivering networking infrastructure solutions that optimize application availability and network performance, today announced the acquisition of Columbus, Ohio-based Georetiary Networks Inc. (GRN). GRN is a network and systems engineering corporation that was founded in 1996 and focuses on providing critical networking and application solutions for the Internet community. The acquisition is the first by GNTS since it was established as part of the recently announced Cabletron restructuring.

In announcing the acquisition, Earle Humphreys, GNTS President said, "By acquiring the skills and expertise that GRN brings to the table, we are making good on our expressed desire to expand through strategic acquisitions and hiring, in order to add unique capabilities, deepened skills, and extended geographic reach."

Created to provide corporations with high-quality computer networking solutions, GRN has core strengths and skills in the critical areas of security services, virtual private networks, network architecture, and remote network management. Douglas Lattman, President and Co-founder of GRN will be retained by GNTS and will head up the company's remote network management practice, including related research and the development of e-commerce assurance tools.

Commenting on the acquisition by GNTS, Lattman said, "GNTS' strategy of addressing client demands for less expensive, rapidly delivered network solutions using industry-leading software tools and intellectual capital fits well with GRN's expertise and core competencies. I am confident that our clients, partners, and employees will benefit from the combined strengths brought forth by this agreement."

Security Services provided by GNTS and strengthened by the acquisition of GRN include information security assessment, information assurance, security system design, security training, and continuous security management.

All services are designed to optimize the resources of existing internal IT staff and are delivered using a foundation based on well-tested methodologies and expert personnel. With the acquisition of GRN, GNTS has added critical personnel and skills to its existing base of consultants. The combined organizations have the strategic vision to design networks that will support aggressive growth; the expertise to ensure that the highest level of security is applied to a client's applications; and the tools to reduce operating expenses and improve productivity.

About GlobalNetwork Technology Services

GlobalNetwork Technology Services (GNTS), a Cabletron Systems company (NYSE:CS), is one of the largest independent network-consulting firms in the world. With consultants in more than 66 locations spanning the globe, GNTS provides network infrastructure solutions that optimize application availability and performance to enterprise and service provider clients. The GNTS web site on the Internet can be reached at http://www.globalnts.com.