Enterasys Networks` new Matrix C2 expands power of Secure Networks at network edge

Enterasys Networks, the Secure Networks company, has announced another industry milestone - the Matrix C2 Series, which includes the first triple-speed 10/100/1000 stackable switching platform with Power over Ethernet (PoE).

The Matrix C2 Series represents the industry`s most powerful edge solutions and extends Enterasys` industry-leading Secure Networks portfolio.

The Matrix C2 Series provides the highest levels of network security and information protection at the point where users and devices connect to the network, making it the ideal choice for business-critical networked applications.

The edge is a critical battleground for ensuring network integrity and information security. With partners, customers and employees connecting through an ever-expanding universe of devices - including wireless devices, laptops, IP phones and server farms - the task of ensuring trust and enabling appropriate use is daunting.

Other networking vendors sacrifice performance, functionality and/or security to compete on price. That approach leaves customers to deal with threats deeper in the network infrastructure - often when substantial damage in terms of lost revenues and staff time has already occurred. Enterasys is committed to delivering products that not only offer high performance at the edge, but also have security integrated into their DNA.

"Enterasys Networks continues to provide our growing base of worldwide enterprise customers with solutions that enable them to meet their business goals by ensuring network continuity, protection of vital data and control over the many people and devices on their networks," says Mark Aslett, president and chief operating officer of Enterasys Networks. "The Matrix C2 Series is the latest example of how we continually raise the bar and deliver the highest levels of infrastructure security available today."

"It is especially important in SA for enterprise networks to expand beyond a focus on cost, capacity and connectivity to encompass key business requirements such as continuity, context, control, compliance and consolidation," says Martin May, African regional director. "While other vendors talk about their vision for securing enterprise networks, Enterasys continues to deliver real Secure Network solutions that immediately reduce vulnerability, increase business efficiency and productivity, and significantly improve security across the entire network - even heterogeneous networks with technology from multiple vendors."

Driven by convergence applications, network expansions and upgrades, the Ethernet switching market is one of the fastest growing sectors in enterprise networking. IDC estimates the worldwide market will surpass $15 billion in 2008. Since convergence means that even more critical business communications are sharing the same corporate networks, better security, greater bandwidth and improved QoS are required. The Matrix C2 Series meets these changing customer demands better than products from any other vendor.

"Enterasys has extended its Secure Networks policy and security capabilities to a competitively priced stackable platform, enabling enterprises to enforce granular security policies at the network access points," says Max Flisi, IDC analyst. "And, with first-to-market 10/100/1000 PoE support in a stackable form factor, the Matrix C2 addresses enterprise requirements for convergence-ready infrastructures."

The Matrix C2 family is an ideal fit for Enterasys` two-tier distribution model. Leading resellers worldwide have placed orders for the product because it delivers the power of Secure Networks to the edge of the network in a highly desirable form factor and at a very competitive price.

The Enterasys Matrix C2 Series consists of the following six platforms of next-generation, high-density, stackable gigabit switches:

*.24-port 10/100/1000
*.48-port 10/100/1000
*.48-port 10/100/1000 PoE
*.48-port 10/100
*.48-port 10/100 PoE
*.24-port 10/100/1000 with dual 10Gb uplinks

These products provide an ideal foundation for Secure Networks at the edge of the enterprise network. With the industry`s only 10/100/1000 stackable with PoE capabilities, the entire Matrix C2 series supports 802.1x, MAC and Web authentication for securely supporting enterprise users, as well as converged network applications and devices.