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Network hardware industry

Intel Expands Network Systems Portfolio with New Switch and Routers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Intel Corporation has announced the release of its Intel 6000 Series Switch and the Intel Express 9500 and 8200 routers, significantly expanding its network systems offerings. These new products aim to provide medium-size enterprise customers with more flexible and manageable end-to-end networking solutions. Intel's strategy involves delivering integrated communications solutions to medium-size enterprises and Internet Service Providers, leveraging its network systems products as a key component. This expansion follows Intel's acquisition of Shiva and XLNT, which has enabled the company to offer a full complement of networking systems products for medium-size enterprises.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intel's network systems portfolio has been expanded with the introduction of the Intel 6000 Series Switch and the Intel Express 9500 and 8200 routers, catering to medium-size enterprise customers.
  • The Intel 6000 Series Switch is a high-performance, modular Gigabit Ethernet switching solution that enables network administrators to aggregate workgroups and servers on their Local Area Networks (LANs).
  • The Intel Express 9500 and 8200 routers help network administrators connect branch offices and regional sites to each other and to central sites.
  • The routers feature hardware-based compression at speeds up to 2 Mbps on WAN ports and are available in multiple configurations to meet specific user needs.
  • The Intel Device View software provides a single user-friendly interface for controlling and configuring network infrastructure.
  • The Intel 6000 Series Switch will be available with 32 Gigabit Ethernet or 96 Fast Ethernet ports in a compact, 10.5" five-slot chassis.
  • Redundant and hot-swappable components make the Intel 6000 Series Switch a highly-reliable system.
  • The switch's high Layer 3 forwarding rate helps ensure that the network backbone won't be a bottleneck.
  • In 2000, Intel plans to add intelligent networking capabilities to the Intel 6000 Series Switch to support customers' evolving networks.
  • The strategic acquisition of Shiva and XLNT has enabled Intel to rapidly expand its networking product line to include integrated remote access solutions.
  • The XLNT acquisition has also allowed Intel to deliver high-bandwidth, chassis-based switching products for medium-size enterprises.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 14% of U.S. employment is represented by the middle market, which presents a substantial revenue growth opportunity for I.T. vendors. (Cahners In-Stat Group, January 1999)
  • The Intel 6000 Series Switch will be priced at $13,995 for the Chassis and $18,995 for the 8-port Gigabit SX Module.
  • Additional Intel 6000 Series Switch modules and software enhancements are planned for introduction in the fourth quarter of 1999 and the first half of 2000.
  • The Intel Express 9510 and 9520 routers are available immediately and are priced at $1449 and $1749, respectively.
  • The Intel Express 8200 family, as well as additional members of the Intel Express 9500 family, are planned to be available by the end of the year.

Sources:

  • Intel Corporation press release, September 7, 1999
  • Cahners In-Stat Group, January 1999
  • Intel Corporation website, www.intel.com/network/

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