Enterasys names Laura Howard executive VP of marketing, product management

Enterasys Networks, Inc, a global provider of business-driven networks for enterprise customers, today named Laura Howard as executive vice-president of marketing and product management.

Under Howard`s direction, Enterasys will market networking solutions that deliver innovative security, agility and productivity enhancements to customers. Enterasys will focus these solutions on top vertical markets including government, education, healthcare, manufacturing, finance and insurance, where they have a proven track record and a strong customer base.

"The days of investing in technology for technology`s sake are clearly over. Customers have their eye squarely on the bottom line and are investing in technologies that directly impact their business when they build, maintain and secure their technology infrastructures," said Jeff Wilson, executive director of Infonetics Research, Inc. "Marketing will play an imperative role in Enterasys` ability to communicate the benefits of business-driven networks to all of its key constituencies."

To achieve these strategies, Howard will lead Enterasys` global marketing, product management and business development functions. She will establish business and market strategies to implement a vertical `go to market` approach. These initiatives will be closely aligned to drive the company`s channel strategies and leverage existing momentum globally. Finally, increasing the company`s brand and product awareness will be a primary goal for all of the new marketing programmes.

"Laura Howard brings the industry-specific knowledge that we need at this time in our product management and marketing efforts," said William K O`Brien, chief executive officer, Enterasys Networks. "This is a key time period for Enterasys in terms of planned new product introductions and the establishment of strong brand awareness, and Laura has the right mix of skills and experience to help us to reach new levels in these important areas."

An industry veteran with two decades of networking experience, Howard has led marketing operations for established global companies and emerging-growth start-ups alike. She will oversee product management, advertising, corporate communications, channel marketing, training and business development from the company`s Handover, Massachusetts location.

Previously, Howard held the position of senior vice-president of marketing, product management and business development at Gotham Networks. Prior to Gotham, Howard was senior vice-president of worldwide marketing for Ericsson Datacom, Inc and held marketing and product management positions with 3Com/US Robotics, Shiva Corporation, Sun Microsystems and Wang Laboratories.

"I am excited to join Enterasys at this time," said Howard. "With a focused vertical strategy and an impressive and loyal customer base, I believe that Enterasys has an opportunity to prosper, even in a challenging IT market. I look forward to working with the global marketing and product teams to help Enterasys to reach its full potential."