OnLine Distribution teams up with Extreme Networks to showcase innovative access and security technology

At popular sessions in Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar, in Saudi Arabia, and Doha, Qatar, attendees discovered technologies and methods that will help them support IP telephony and data on a secure converged network. Extreme Networks' network foundation provides enterprises with a lower cost of ownership and network tools to allow them to measure and assess the quality of converged VoIP phone calls beyond the local area network.

"Network technology is increasingly moving from being fragmented to being fully integrated and converged, with IP telephony and data networks fully merging. This trend is going to continue, and new innovations will be integrated into the converged network. Increasingly, organisations are looking for end-to-end technology, so that data can be punched in at every point of the organisation, and instantly accessed. This is crucial to the expanding Middle East business sector, and we work with a range of industry-leading network solution providers to bring the latest integrated solutions to the region,"

said Keith Rich, managing director, Online Distribution.

Extreme Networks has expanded its product lineup over the past 18 months, including launching switch-based security solutions that comprises of two parts — the Clear-Flow security rules engine which is integrated into Extreme's BlackDiamond 10K switch and the Sentriant virtual security resource (VSR) appliance. These have set new standards in performance, reliability and QoS (quality of service).

"Security is the number one concern of most customers. Moreover, we see a trend, which is confirmed by most leading analysts, that security is moving from dedicated security companies into the network arena," says Chris Moore, regional manager, Extreme Networks MENA. "Threats are moving towards the inside of the network because you can't protect every port with a firewall plus current security devices cannot deal with the huge amount of data on Gigabit and 10Gigabit networks."

The BlackDiamond solution is designed to provide a defence against zero day attacks, which are threats that lack a signature or previous pattern. The solution will contain these attacks before they cripple network performance and works by using the Clear-Flow analysis engine to detect potentially damaging traffic. This is then diverted to the Sentriant, which counters the threat. The BlackDiamond12804R is purpose built for service providers rolling out metro ethernet networks for residential and business services.

"To provide our customers in the region, especially in Saudi Arabia, with easy access to the best alternative switch vendor, we have invested in a new Riyadh based operation. Along with our reseller partners, Online Distribution, we can now provide enterprise level technical support locally for our customers and demonstrates our commitment to the market. The network requirements in Saudi Arabia are the most demanding in the region and, as such, customers will benefit from the local presence of a best of breed ethernet switch vendor," added Moore.

Extreme Networks' customer lineup includes Saudi Telecom, Mobily, Saudi Aramco, Zamil Group, Bureau of Experts, and King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia and Woqod and Nasser bin Khaled Mercedes dealership in Qatar, among others.

"OnLine Distribution believe in supporting our vendors with high-level premium channel partner selection, professional territory management, and ongoing training and evaluation services for channel partners and we look forward to driving the growth of networking technology in the region," said Rich.