Extreme Networks' BlackDiamond Outperforms Key Competitors in Tests

Extreme Networks, Inc.'s BlackDiamond 10 Gigabit Ethernet core switching solutions have outperformed competitors' solutions in rigorous product tests. In three comparative product evaluations of the market's leading 10 Gigabit switching solutions conducted by well-known IT publications, the BlackDiamond series switches were selected ahead of major competitors for superior performance. Since the final ratification of standards-based 10 Gigabit Ethernet switching in 2002, Extreme Networks has been selected in each of the major publication comparative product reviews by outperforming competing products. The BlackDiamond series switches were named the best performing core switching solutions when tested for bandwidth capacity, Quality of Service (QoS) with bandwidth prioritization, system failover and the management of thousands of Access Control Lists (ACLs). The Extreme Networks switch was the winner in three separate reviews generated by Network Computing Magazine Germany, InfoWorld Magazine, and Network Computing Magazine. In the most recently published test, by Network Computing Magazine Germany, where testing was performed in California, editors selected Extreme Networks' BlackDiamond 10K switch ahead of Cisco's next-generation 10 Gigabit carrier-grade router. The review resulted in the editors calling the BlackDiamond 10K switch "The Network Diamond," for its performance, failover capabilities and its ability to deal with converged traffic such as Voice over IP (VoIP) with little or zero jitter and latency. InfoWorld Magazine published a hands-on review of the BlackDiamond 10K switch with standard 10 Gigabit ports compared to Force 10 Networks' E600 switch. The review team measured its ability to prioritize traffic, deliver rapid failover and handle converged IP video traffic. Accordingly, the BlackDiamond 10K switch was named "Technology of the Year" for networking by InfoWorld in 2004 and again in 2005 Network Computing Magazine selected the BlackDiamond 6800 series switch as "Editor's Choice" for a head to head review against Foundry Networks' BigIron switch. The experienced Real World Lab review team measured wire-speed switching throughput, support of thousands of ACLs and the application of robust Quality of Service with the ability to handle high priority packets. "The test results demonstrate the superior performance of our solution and the 50 percent increase in 10 Gigabit Ethernet port shipments quarter over quarter validates market acceptance," said Suresh Gopalakrishnan, vice president of worldwide marketing for Extreme Networks. "These comparative tests focused on the key features users need for building a converged network infrastructure to handle new applications, such as IP voice and video. We offer customers networking solutions that have proven again and again to perform ahead of competing products."