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March 31, 2003
Nortel Networks Launches WLAN Portfolio For Enterprises and Carriers
To Complement Nortel Networks WLAN Strategy; Boost Security and Wireless Roaming
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] announced a new portfolio of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) products for enterprises and carriers, designed for delivering high-bandwidth voice and data services securely and allowing end users to have anytime, anywhere access to applications such as email, voicemail and unified messaging via a personal computer (PC), handheld device or cell phone.
Designed to support Nortel Networks comprehensive WLAN strategy unveiled today, the new portfolio will complement existing Nortel Networks wireless and IP solutions.
“Many companies are talking about WLANs, however, very few have addressed the missing link – security,” said Malcolm Collins, president, Enterprise Networks, Nortel Networks. “With the introduction of this new product portfolio, Nortel Networks will enable the delivery of secure roaming capabilities that seamlessly span converging public and private networks, as well as hotspot environments.”
“Nortel Networks new family of WLAN products will offer enterprises and carriers the ability to operate a single network that enables secure, seamless mobility, while maximizing operational efficiency and reducing capital expenses,” added Collins.
“We have evaluated a number of WLAN solutions from different vendors. We believe Nortel Networks WLAN solution will enable our employees -- many of whom spend the majority of their time on the road – to share the information they need to do their job quickly and effectively, without the constraints of wired network access,” said Moses Schwartz, director, Technical Services, Westcon Group North America, Inc., a global channel provider of technology products which is currently evaluating Nortel Networks WLAN solution as part of its beta trials program. “It will free our employees to serve customers immediately and with much greater responsiveness, which is absolutely critical in our business.”
Nortel Networks WLAN portfolio will initially include four core products:
- Nortel Networks WLAN Security Switch 2250: To provides security management services, such as privileged-based access and unauthorized access detection, as well as centralized control to protect and manage mobile communications over WLANs. Additional load balancing capability will provide more efficient traffic distribution and bandwidth management; enabling network managers to maximize network availability.
- Nortel Networks WLAN Access Point 2220: A feature-rich access point to provide the first level of security to wired Ethernet networks. It will also offer superior functionality, such as dual image support for operational and default settings to enable emergency repairs in hotspot deployments to be delayed until convenient. Additional features will include a WLAN hotspot feature set, dual-mode radio signaling and seamless IP roaming across different domains, including dual mode roaming between the 802.11a and b standards.
- Nortel Networks WLAN Mobile Voice Client i2050: To support wireless IP telephony calls for pocket PCs.
- Nortel Networks WLAN Mobile Adapter 2201: A Cardbus adapter for mobile computing devices such as laptops that will support both 802.11a and 802.11b standards.
These products -- combined with Nortel Networks existing portfolio of IP-enabled solutions, such as Contivity*, Passport*, Shasta*, Succession* and Univity* -- will provide a complete, seamless and secure mobility solution for enterprises and carriers. They are expected to be generally available in the second quarter of 2003.
“Nortel Networks dual-mode architecture that supports both the 802.11a and 802.11b standards – as well as its focus on the enhancement of security, roaming and network management in the WLAN – provides an attractive offering to the enterprise,” said Gemma Paulo, senior analyst, Data and Voice Communications, In-Stat/MDR. “Nortel Networks WLAN Security Switch 2250, designed to operate with a variety of different vendors’ access points, brings a critical component to its WLAN product portfolio, providing customers the ability to extend the security position of their wired infrastructure to the wireless realm.”
“Our clients rely on us to provide the scalable, manageable and secure communications infrastructure that both furthers their strategic business objectives and accommodates integration of emerging technologies, like wireless, that are critical for the future,” said Nick Sharma, managing partner, North America, Unisys Infrastructure Transformation Services. “Unisys develops next-generation network solutions for our clients that will integrate our services expertise with Nortel Networks advanced wireless technologies.”
Nortel Networks WLAN solution builds on the company’s wireless market leadership and industry-proven, standards-based technologies. It is focused on providing a single, secure framework for delivering mission-critical applications and services to users regardless of where they are and how they access the network. By extending the security architecture across disparate networks, users will now be able to maintain a common communication experience at anytime, anywhere – whether they are working from their desk or accessing the network from a pocket computer at a café.
Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The Company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Wireless Networks, Wireline Networks, Enterprise Networks, and Optical Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.
Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the severity and duration of the industry adjustment; the sufficiency of our restructuring activities, including the potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions; fluctuations in operating results and general industry, economic and market conditions and growth rates; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow, the level of outstanding debt and debt ratings; the ability to meet financial covenants contained in our credit agreements; the ability to make acquisitions and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the telecommunications industry; the dependence on new product development; the uncertainties of the Internet; the impact of the credit risks of our customers and the impact of customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the entrance into an increased number of supply and outsourcing contracts which contain delivery and installation provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the ability to obtain timely, adequate and reasonably priced component parts from suppliers and internal manufacturing capacity; the future success of our strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see the reports filed by Nortel Networks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
*Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo, the Globemark, Contivity, Passport, Shasta, Succession and Univity are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
Contact for Press and Analysts:
Pat Cooper
Nortel Networks
(408) 495-9608
pat.cooper@nortelnetworks.com
Jamie Moody
Nortel Networks
(972) 684-7167
moodyjam@nortelnetworks.com
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