Test Proves Extreme Networks Superior Support for Avaya IP Telephony

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avaya, Inc. and Extreme Networks, Inc. continue to demonstrate the advantages of convergence with a recent benchmark performance test. The tests prove that Extreme Networks' BlackDiamond(R) and Summit(R) switches outperformed other switches when the network was required to protect prioritized voice traffic running on an Avaya IP Telephony application.

As part of its global strategic alliance, Extreme Networks and Avaya work together to help customers build open standards-based converged networks to support the integration of advanced communications applications. This includes switches and IP telephony and communications software that is proven interoperable

The Tolly Group evaluated the Extreme Networks(R) core/edge LAN infrastructure's ability to deliver "triple play" voice, video and data applications in networks with varying levels of congestion.

Specifically, the test benchmarked behavior when congestion occurs on the "ingress" (inbound) data path to the switching backplane of a core Ethernet switch, which can be more demanding than when congestion occurs on the "egress" (outbound) port from a core switch back to out to the network edge. With converged voice and video becoming primary applications within the corporate enterprise and where many traffic streams converge on a single network, it is essential for organizations to implement highly available networks that can readily prioritize traffic.

In measuring Quality of Service (QoS) for converged applications, The Tolly Group evaluated the effectiveness of network switches' capability to protect and deliver prioritized voice, video, and data traffic when there is congestion going to the switch backplane. Extreme Networks' BlackDiamond 8800 and 10K modular switches and Summit 400 fixed switches were able to deliver 100 percent of voice over IP (VoIP) calls and deliver toll-quality voice when the low-priority background traffic load increased.

"There is a perception by some that in order to support 'triple-play' services effectively, users need to deploy a homogenous transport infrastructure, with switches and IP telephony all from the same vendor," said Kevin Tolly, president/CEO/founder of The Tolly Group. "Our Avaya/Extreme testing confirms that simply is not the case. Users can blend high-quality IP telephony products from Avaya and deploy them over an Extreme Networks transport network and achieve a high level of performance."

"The Tolly Group testing demonstrates QoS performance leadership and shows how customers can rely on Extreme Networks to deploy a 'triple play' network infrastructure for voice, video and data, with traffic prioritization and high availability," said Richard De Soto, director of IP telephony strategic initiatives for Extreme Networks.

The Tolly Group

The Tolly Group, an independent testing and strategic consulting organization based in Boca Raton, FL., offers a full range of services designed to furnish both the vendor and end-user communities with authoritative and unbiased information. Additionally, The Tolly Group is recognized worldwide for its expertise in assessing leading-edge technologies. For more information on The Tolly Group's services, visit its Web site at http://www.tolly.com/ , E-mail info@tolly.com, call 561-391-5610, or fax 561-391-5810.

Avaya

Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than one million businesses worldwide, including over 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500(R). Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable Internet Protocol (IP) telephony systems and communications software applications and services.

Driving the convergence of voice and data communications with business applications -- and distinguished by comprehensive worldwide services -- Avaya helps customers leverage existing and new networks to achieve superior business results. For more information visit the Avaya website: http://www.avaya.com/.

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks is a leader in open converged networks. Its innovative network architecture provides Enterprises and Metro Service Providers with network resiliency, adaptability and simplicity required for a true a converged network that can support voice, video and data, over a wired and wireless infrastructure, while delivering high-performance and integrated security features. For more information, please visit http://www.extremenetworks.com/.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including without limitation statements as to scalability and performance of the BlackDiamond products are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including network design and actual results of use of the product in different environments. We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this release. Other important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are contained in the Company's 10-Qs and 10-Ks which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov/ ).

NOTE: Extreme Networks, Summit and BlackDiamond are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

All other names and marks are property of their respective owners.