Asante and Apple Unveil Affordable Gigabit Ethernet Solution

Strategic Insights -

Asante Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of network solutions, has partnered with Apple Computer to introduce the most affordable Gigabit Ethernet switch to date, priced at less than $250 per port. The FriendlyNET GX4 switch was designed to work seamlessly with the new Apple Power Mac G4 systems, providing a powerful Gigabit Ethernet solution for connecting digital design workstations and servers. This innovative product makes Gigabit Ethernet a reality for small businesses and workgroups, driving the adoption of this high-speed technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Asante and Apple have collaborated to create the most affordable Gigabit Ethernet switch, priced at less than $250 per port, making it accessible to small businesses and workgroups.
  • The FriendlyNET GX4 switch was designed to work with the new Apple Power Mac G4 systems, providing a powerful Gigabit Ethernet solution for connecting digital design workstations and servers.
  • With Gigabit switching, workgroups can now afford to upgrade to 1000BaseT, the new standard for Ethernet, delivering ten times higher bandwidth per port compared to traditional Fast Ethernet hubs.
  • The FriendlyNET GX4 features self-correcting Gigabit Ethernet over copper connectivity, automatically detecting and correcting common wiring errors and negotiating the highest possible transfer rates.
  • Asante has also incorporated Broadcom's industry-standard BCM5400 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver into the FriendlyNET GX4 switch, making it a key driver in the Gigabit Ethernet revolution.
  • The FriendlyNET GX4 switch is ideal for prepress and other digital media environments, providing maximum bandwidth for MP3, QuickTime, and Quark files.

Statistics:

  • The FriendlyNET GX4 switch is priced at less than $250 per port, making it an affordable solution for small businesses and workgroups.
  • The switch features four 100/1000 Mbps ports and is shipping now.
  • The discontinued Fast Ethernet hubs had bandwidth limitations of 100 Mbps per port, in contrast to the 1000 Mbps per port offered by the FriendlyNET GX4.
  • Asante will be showcasing the FriendlyNET Gigabit Ethernet solutions at booth No. 1319 at the Macworld Exposition, from July 19th to 21st at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York.

Sources:

  • Business Editors/High Tech Writers, MACWORLD Expo NY 2000, July 19, 2000
  • Asante Technologies, Inc., press release, July 19, 2000
  • Apple Computer, Inc., press release, July 19, 2000
  • Broadcom Corporation, press release, July 19, 2000