Leading Service Provider PSINet Selects Extreme Networks

Extreme Networks' Switching Solutions Will Support PSINet Internationally SANTA CLARA, Calif. (PROTEXT) - Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR), a leader in providing networking solutions for the new enterprise and service providers, today announced that PSINet Inc. (Nasdaq: PSIX), the largest independent commercial Internet Service Provider, has selected its switching systems as a component of its Global Hosting Center architecture. Extreme Networks' market-leading Layer 3 networking solutions will serve as the switching infrastructure for PSINet's hosting centers, and will support PSINet customers internationally. Extreme Networks' switching solutions were selected by PSINet based on their ability to offer high density wire-speed server switching solutions, provide a simplified learning curve, reduce costs, and ensure high network reliability through redundancy and hot-swap capabilities in the network core and edge. Extreme Networks' onsite international support for the Global Hosting Centers and its strategy for an easy migration to next generation modules, allowing for futureproofing, were also major decision factors for PSINet. "Our network was specifically designed to accommodate IP-based business applications such as Internet telephony, electronic commerce and multimedia," said Michael Mael, vice president for PSINet Inc. "To deliver our high-quality network, we work with multiple vendors to certify best-in-class products. These services must meet our criteria and our customers' high standards for quality, performance, and security. Extreme Networks provides important components that are a key element of our Global Hosting Centers providing reliable, high performance networking capabilities." In each of the initial PSINet Global Hosting Centers, Extreme Networks switches will distribute two gigabits of data streaming in from the high-speed backbone to an average of 8,500 Internet server connections. To support the high performance requirements of PSINet's network, Extreme Networks and PSINet have designed a fully redundant, mesh network, which relies on up to 30 Extreme Networks BlackDiamondO modular switching systems. This primary network is in-turn supported by two back-up networks, each consisting of an equal number of BlackDiamond switches. The IP-based communications services PSINet offers demonstrate how Web- based computing is redefining how business is now conducted. Businesses rely on companies like PSINet to provide them with the tools, such as web hosting, e-Commerce and corporate Internet and Intranet web sites, to compete in the new Internet-based economy. "PSINet's vision for broadband networks and Extreme Networks' ability to distribute that bandwidth throughout the network ensures that this new IP-based environment functions," said Gordon Stitt, CEO and president of Extreme Networks. "Our unique ability to deliver simple, scalable networks that can easily prioritize traffic and allocate bandwidth enables us to build the networks for this new breed of Internet communications companies." High performance solutions for service providers To meet the demands of service providers, Extreme Networks offers high bandwidth scaled switching solutions designed to adapt swiftly to the many changes thrust upon the network. In addition, the Extreme Networks award-winning switching solutions are unique in meeting the key requirements that service providers need to build Web-based computing networks: simplicity, scalability and the option to easily manage and prioritize new levels of traffic generated by current and future applications. All Extreme Networks switches are built on a common architecture. This unique approach enables the company to offer an elegantly simple, yet high-performance network architecture that requires less maintenance and operating costs. By combining Ethernet and IP with wire-speed Layer 3 Switching, Extreme Networks provides the scalability corporations need to build networks that can handle future growth. And, the company's new Enterprise Policy System allows users to deploy policy networking to protect network bandwidth for mission critical applications and give precedence to revenue generating traffic, without complexity. About PSINet Headquartered in Herndon, VA, PSINet is a global Internet data communications carrier focused on the business marketplace. PSINet offers a broad set of high-speed corporate LAN connectivity services supporting managed security and guaranteed Internet, intranet, electronic commerce, Web hosting services, and services for other carriers and ISPs. PSINet operates an international technologically advanced frame relay and ATM-based, IP-optimized network consisting of more than 535 POPs around the world serving more than 60,000 businesses in primary markets in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. PSINet information can be obtained by e-mail at info@psi.com, by accessing the Web site at http://www.psinet.com or by calling toll free 800-799-0675. About Extreme Networks Extreme Networks designs, manufactures and sells high- performance LAN solutions that adapt swiftly to change and enable future applications for the new enterprise and service providers. The company's award-winning family of SummitO stackable and BlackDiamond modular switching systems increase the flow of information and allow for future network growth. Extreme Networks' switching solutions are available through its authorized resellers worldwide. Extreme Networks' corporate headquarters are at 3585 Monroe Street, Santa Clara, Calif., 95051, 408-579-2800 or 888-257-3000; www.extremenetworks.com. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause or contribute to such risks and uncertainties include those discussed in Extreme's Securities and Exchange Commission Filings. NOTE: Extreme Networks, Summit and BlackDiamond are trademarks of Extreme Networks. ots Original Text Service: Extreme Networks, Inc. Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Valerie Bellofatto of Extreme Networks Public Relations, 408-579- 2963, or vbellofatto@extremenetworks.com; or Michael P. Binko of PSINet Corporate Marketing, 703-904-4285, or binkom@psi.com Web site: http://www.extremenetworks.com Subscribers please note that material bearing the slug "PROTEXT" is not part of CTK's news service and is not to be published under the "CTK" slug. Protext is a commercial service providing distribution of press releases from clients, who are identified in the text of Protext reports and who bear full responsibility for their contents.