OnLine takes on Extreme distribution

The new partnership agreement has been finalised to develop the channel and increase Extreme's market share in the region. It is also an extension of the successful global partnership between Extreme and Datatec. OnLine is a subsidiary of Datatec.

"Extreme Networks' innovative network architecture provides Enterprises and Metro Service Providers with the resiliency, adaptability and simplicity required for a true converged network that supports voice, video and data, over a wired and wireless infrastructure, while delivering high-performance and advanced security features," said Keith Rich, MD, OnLine Distribution. "We see a lot of potential for promoting these products through our existing channel partners in the enterprise segment from oil & gas, government, education, hospitality, healthcare and corporate."

"Online Distribution was selected as Extreme Networks' second value-added distribution partner in the Middle East because of its demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships with new channel partners through the provision of training and both pre and post-sales support to those channel partners," said Chris Moore, Extreme's Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa. "Online Distribution has a clear and executable plan to develop the channel structure for Extreme Networks in order to serve Extreme Networks end users better without cannibalising the existing channel partners business."

Extreme Networks principal hardware and software products share a common hardware, software and network management architecture that are based on industry-standard routing and network management protocols and offer policy-based, quality-of service features. Some of its more popular ranges include the Summit® fixed configuration switches, Alpine® chassis-based switches, Aspen™ modular switches, BlackDiamond® core switches, Altitude™ wireless products, ExtremeWare® operating systems and EPICenter™ management software.

"Extreme Networks is the clear alternative in the enterprise market and fits our product portfolio perfectly," pointed out Rich. "It delivers the most effective applications and services infrastructure by creating networks that are smarter, faster, simpler, more reliable, secure, and cost-effective, while being fully interoperable. This allows companies to keep up with the increasing demand for mission-critical applications and services, better meet its business objectives and gain competitive advantage."

Through OnLine, Extreme will deliver the tools, programs, support and products its channel partners need to exceed their customer expectations and drive sales. The channel will benefit from the partnership with enhanced hardware margins, service opportunities, a channel-focused sales model, simplified channel program, minimal required resources and easy-to-use sales & support tools.

"2005 will be a year of significant growth for Extreme Networks with the release of its new 2 Tier Architecture and high-performance Aspen switching solution which delivers true voice-class availability at the edge of the network," continued Moore. "The high availability of the Two Tier Architecture is complimented by the modular ExtremeWare® XOS operating system and the industry's only LAN resiliency protocol for voice - Extreme Networks' Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS)."

Extreme leads the Layer 3 market among switch manufacturers offering non-proprietary solutions. Extreme Networks continues to demonstrate market acceptance by surpassing 10 Million Layer 3 Ethernet port milestone, according to leading research firm, The Dell'Oro Group.

"OnLine has studied the growing demand for convergence solutions in the Middle East and North Africa and has decided to partner with Extreme because it offers technologically superior product solutions and a unique value proposition for the channel," continued Rich.
Since its inception, Extreme has won many awards and recognition from various industry organizations for Extreme's vision, technology leadership, the products' superior performance and Extreme's channel strategies.

Extreme's network core switching solution, the BlackDiamond® 10K continues to receive recognition for technology innovation by receiving "InfoWorld's 2005 Technology Product of the Year." The high-performance BlackDiamond® 10K was awarded for its "excellent performance paired with a powerful and flexible operating architecture." The InfoWorld awards recognize significant technologies of the past year that promise to make the greatest impact on enterprise IT strategies as well as the products that best exemplify the implementation of those technologies.

This honour adds to Extreme Networks' unprecedented history of receiving broad recognition from industry experts for its family of Ethernet switching solutions. Extreme Networks is the only vendor to win the prestigious NetWorld+InterOp "Best of Show" award back-to-back for five years.