Software evaluated for key requirements that enable automated infrastructure management

Dubai/Calif.; April 11, 2007: Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:  EXTR) and Avaya (NYSE: AV), a leading global provider of business communications applications, software and services, have successfully completed compliance testing of the Extreme Networks Universal Port, a software provisioning platform that discovers devices, authenticates users and provisions key network services including Avaya IP telephony solutions.  As part of the testing, the companies evaluated device discovery and user authentication with Avaya IP phones on a converged network.

Universal Port provides a powerful, contextual, connection-management framework that leverages an open architecture to perform dynamic, event-driven switch configuration.   It supports the discovery of connected devices via Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) and LLDP-MED (Media Endpoint) extensions and authenticates via 802.1x technology. 

Universal Port was tested with Extreme Networks Summit X450 switches, available in 24- and 48-port versions and feature voice-class availability and Power over Ethernet (PoE).  Elements tested included device detect with authentication and de-authentication, dynamic profiles, VLAN assignment and PoE configuration based on LLDP.

During Avaya's compliance process, Universal Port was successful in all tested scenarios, interoperating with Avaya Communications Manager 3.1.2 IP telephony software.  As a result, Universal Port was validated as "Avaya compliant" through the Avaya DeveloperConnection program--an initiative to develop, market and sell innovative third-party products that interoperate with Avaya technology and extend the value of a company's investment in its network.   Extreme Networks is a Platinum member of the program. 

"Universal Port is now validated by Avaya and available to help customers with critical network edge automation to significantly ease the deployment and management of users and devices," said Chris Moore, Regional Director ME & Africa for Extreme Networks.  "Extreme Networks outfits enterprises with tools that provide meaningful insight and control, benefiting the day-to-day life of the network administrator by helping making tasks automatic, accurate and simple."

"Avaya is dedicated to helping businesses unleash powerful new possibilities," said Eric Rossman, vice president, developer relations and technical alliances, Avaya.  "The recent successful compliance-testing of Extreme Networks Summit X450 with Universal Port means businesses can confidently add new capabilities to their converged networks and get more out of their communications investment."

As a member of the Avaya DeveloperConnection program, Extreme Networks is eligible to submit products for compatibility testing by the Avaya Solution Interoperability and Test Lab in Lincroft, N.J.  There a team of Avaya engineers develops a comprehensive test plan for each application to verify whether it is Avaya compliant.  Doing so helps ensure businesses can add best-in-class capabilities to their network without having to replace their existing infrastructure--which helps speed deployment of new applications and reduce both network complexity and implementation costs.  

-Ends-

Avaya Inc.
Avaya delivers Intelligent Communications solutions that help companies transform their businesses to achieve marketplace advantage. More than 1 million businesses worldwide, including more than 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500, use Avaya solutions for IP Telephony, Unified Communications, Contact Centers and Communications-Enabled Business Processes. Avaya Global Services provides comprehensive service and support for companies, small to large. For more information visit the Avaya Web site, www.avaya.com.  For more information on the Avaya DeveloperConnection Program, visit www.devconnectprogram.com.

Extreme Networks, Inc.
Extreme Networks designs, builds and installs Ethernet infrastructure solutions that help solve the toughest business communications challenges. Our commitment to open networking sets us apart from the alternatives by delivering meaningful insight and unprecedented control to applications and services. We believe openness is the best foundation for growth, freedom, flexibility and choice. We focus on enterprises and service providers who demand high-performance, converged networks that support voice, video and data over a wired and wireless infrastructure.

© Press Release 2007