Extreme Networks Certifies Datatec Systems as Professional Services Partner; Datatec to Deploy Extreme Networks' Ethernet Switches for High Performance Metro Networks

Business Wire, August 29, 2001

Business Editors

FAIRFIELD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2001

Datatec Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: DATC), announced today that it has signed a professional services agreement with Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR).

As a certified Extreme Networks Professional Services Partner, Datatec will provide network consulting, engineering, deployment and support services for Extreme Networks' family of BlackDiamond(R), Alpine(TM), and Summit(R) switching solutions for Metro Area Networks (MANs). Datatec services will include project management, system staging and testing, material and asset management, site installation, and network turn-up. Datatec's eDeploy(TM) and Integrator's Workbench(TM) software tools will be utilized to automate and coordinate its deployment efforts.

"Datatec Systems has demonstrated proficiency in rapidly deploying advanced networking solutions for prominent service provider and enterprise customers," said Peter Sierant, director of professional services for Extreme Networks. "Datatec's expertise, coupled with its Internet-based project management and configuration software, will assist Extreme Networks in achieving our aggressive implementation commitments and delivering best-in-class network solutions to our customers."

Large corporations and local city and government agencies seek to connect their distributed campuses with the higher bandwidth and improved management capabilities that fiber connected Gigabit Ethernet metro rings provide. This allows for a single network to deliver converged IP services including video, voice and data traffic. Ethernet switching solutions from Extreme Networks connect these rings while providing improved switching performance, enhanced functionality and a consistent management platform.

"The market for Ethernet-based metro area networks is experiencing rapid growth and Extreme Networks is clearly an industry leader," said Ed King, Vice President of OEM Channels for Datatec Systems. "We're very excited about this new OEM relationship and are confident that Datatec's people, processes and tools can deliver tangible benefits to both Extreme Networks and its customers."

About Datatec Systems, Inc.

Fairfield, NJ-based Datatec Systems specializes in the rapid, large-scale market absorption of networking technologies. Datatec's deployment services utilize a software-enabled implementation model to configure, integrate and roll out new technology solutions using a "best practices" structured process. Its customers include Fortune 1000 companies and world-class technology providers. Datatec stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (DATC). For more information visit Datatec at http://www.datatec.com/

About eDeploy Inc.

eDeploy, a subsidiary of Datatec Systems, Inc., is a recognized leader in the development and delivery of business-to-business e-commerce tools and processes that allow OEMs, systems integrators and service providers to configure and deploy complex network infrastructure and computing technologies faster, more economically and with fewer defects. For more information, visit http://www.edeploy.com

About Extreme Networks

Extreme Networks, Inc. delivers a simplified approach for building networks based on its technology vision of Ethernet Everywhere(R) networks. The Company's family of BlackDiamond(R), Alpine, and Summit(R) switching solutions incorporate a unique combination of ExtremeWare(R) management software and an ASIC-based common architecture to provide Global 2000 enterprises, telecommunications companies, Internet Service Providers and content providers with the ability to increase the flow of information and accommodate future network growth.

Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Extreme Networks was listed as the Fastest Growing Company in Silicon Valley in 2000 based on three-year revenue growth by the San Jose and Silicon Valley Business Journal. For more information, visit www.extremenetworks.com.

Extreme Networks, ExtremeWare, Ethernet Everywhere, BlackDiamond and Summit are registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc., and Alpine is a trademark of Extreme Networks, Inc., in the United States and other countries.