Alcatel Launches OmniSwitch 6800L 10 Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Capable Switches



Alcatel revolutionizes enterprise network flexibility with software upgradeable Gigabit Ethernet switch

Paris, -/6 April, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology Forum/- Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced availability of the new Alcatel OmniSwitch 6800L family of enterprise-class stackable 10/100 Ethernet workgroup switches. Alcatel's new data networking switches are the first in the industry to use a software upgrade process to enable enterprises to move up to Gigabit Ethernet desktop connections ? with no additional hardware and with protection of their network investment.

As users continue to embrace high-bandwidth and real-time applications like video to the desktop, multimedia enterprise applications and voice-over-IP, enterprises are becoming more dependent on fast network responses, which is driving the need for Gigabit Ethernet networks.

The Alcatel OmniSwitch 6800L is an enterprise-class switch, featuring advanced reliability, security and optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbone uplink capabilities. It also provides a cost-effective means for enterprises to migrate to Gigabit Ethernet desktop networks, with an innovative software key that unlocks Gigabit Ethernet functionality built into each desktop port.

"The OmniSwitch 6800L is a great tool to help enterprises manage their networking total cost of operations by providing a very effective way to prepare for the future without breaking the bank today," said Tom Burns, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Alcatel's enterprise network infrastructure activities. "The switch delivers innovative features needed for a convergence-ready network that fits within IT budgets, while providing the ability to roll out Gigabit Ethernet to the desktop as it makes sense for organizations and users."

Alcatel OmniSwitch 6800L switches are stackable, layer-three switches with optional 10 Gigabit uplink ports and full Alcatel Operating System support for network intelligence. With Alcatel's "virtual chassis" stacking capability, no switch is a single point of failure and the entire stack can be managed and configured as a single unit with a single IP address. The switches also support Alcatel's comprehensive CrystalSec data security services, including the award-winning automated quarantine engine (AQE) that identifies and isolates viruses and network attacks before they wreak havoc on the enterprise.

The switches come in 24-port and 48-port versions and eight of them can be stacked together for a total capacity of 384 ports using a 40 Gigabit stacking bus. These switch stacks can also include Alcatel's OmniSwitch 6800 switch, a companion Gigabit product with all of the same features. The 6800L switches include four user-selectable combination copper or fiber Gigabit Ethernet ports that can be used for backbone connections. They can also be outfitted with an optional single or redundant 10 Gigabit Ethernet backplane link.

The OmniSwitch 6800L switches are available immediately from Alcatel resellers.

About Alcatel Enterprise solutions
With more than 500,000 customers, Alcatel is a leading provider of communication solutions to small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as to public sector institutions worldwide. Alcatel's enterprise portfolio provides business communication applications, including Unified Communications and Contact Centers, an advanced IP Telephony offering, and IP Networking products. Alcatel's enterprise solutions deliver an enhanced competitive edge to businesses of all sizes by increasing customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and operational efficiencies.


About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.