News release

HP Introduces High-performance, Affordable Switches for Advanced Network Applications

New ProCurve Ethernet Switches Offer Increased Port Density and Access Speeds for Improved Network Security and Voice/Data Convergence

HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced four new HP ProCurve switches with wire-speed performance, high port density and affordable Gigabit-to-the-desktop capabilities, enabling affordable near-zero wait for information access. The Ethernet switches offer users the high performance necessary to support advanced network applications, including enterprise network security and the convergence of data and voice networks.

The HP ProCurve Switch 2650 and the HP ProCurve Switch 6108 provide high port density and aggregation at the edge of the network, offering an industry-low total cost of ownership. The HP ProCurve Switch 2650 provides low-cost, stackable, 10/100 high port density needed in wiring closets today, while the HP ProCurve Switch 6108 offers affordable Gigabit access tier aggregation. Both switches provide robust security that enables controlled access to the network and customers' information.

Additionally, the HP ProCurve Switch 2724 and the HP ProCurve Switch 2708 offer low-cost, unmanaged, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to the edge of the network for maximized throughput and ease of deployment.

"The installation of the HP ProCurve Switches 2724 and 2708 was smooth and painless -- we literally plugged them in and they worked," said Phil Yorde, lead network/microcomputer systems specialist at Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif. "Since installing the solution, we have also observed a dramatic increase in the performance of our server applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, and look forward to the ability to quickly rollout and support more advanced applications."

"HP ProCurve customers are demanding cutting-edge networking solutions for the areas of security and convergence," said John McHugh, vice president and general manager, HP ProCurve Networking Business. "By developing cost effective, feature-rich network products, like those announced today, HP is able to meet those needs, while still offering industry-low total cost of ownership."

HP ProCurve Switch 2650

The HP ProCurve Switch 2650 is a stackable, managed 50-port switch, ideal for campus and remote office connectivity where high port density is critical. The switch includes 48 10/100-TX autosensing ports and two dual-personality ports for 10/100/1000 or mini-GBIC connectivity, providing the highest port density per 1U rack height in the industry. The dual-personality ports enable RJ-45 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SX, LX or LH fiber connectivity to connect at distances up to 70 kilometers.

The switch also provides robust security and supports Layer 3 static routes. Layer 3 static routes enable VLAN-to-VLAN communication and ensure efficient throughput between the wiring closet and data center. Extensive access and management security capabilities include IEEE 802.1x port-based access control with RADIUS network login for secure dynamic access to network services. MAC address lock-down adds further protection by granting switch port access only to authorized users. Management security features include TACACS+ for management user authentication and Secure Shell (SSH).

HP ProCurve Switch 6108

The HP ProCurve Switch 6108 is a low-cost, high-performance Gigabit aggregator ideal for departmental access aggregation, remote office and campus connectivity. Offering wire-speed Layer 3 static routes, the switch provides a flexible Gigabit solution for 10/100 wiring closet aggregation. This switch features eight ports in a stackable 1U size, including six 10/100/1000 ports and, like the HP ProCurve Switch 2650, offers two dual-personality ports for 10/100/1000 or mini-GBIC connectivity.

When stacked with six 2650 switches, the HP ProCurve Switch 6108 top of stack aggregator can support a departmental aggregation solution for up to 288 users. This switch also provides robust security features, including IEEE 802.1x with RADIUS network login, MAC address lock-down protection, TACACS+ and Secure Shell (SSH).

HP ProCurve Switches 2724/2708

The HP ProCurve Switches 2724 and 2708 are 24- and 8-port auto-negotiating switches offering low-cost Gigabit-to-the-desktop. These unmanaged switches provide 10/100/1000 plug-and-play connectivity, and are well suited for building low-cost, small- to medium-sized networks. The HP ProCurve 2724 and 2708 both include lifetime warranties with next business day advanced replacement and HP phone support.

Price and Availability(1)

All switches are available as of Nov. 15 and come with no charge lifetime software updates and phone support plus a lifetime warranty.

More information about HP ProCurve networking solutions and products is available at http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve.

About HP

HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp. on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

(1) Actual prices may vary.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development of these products and services may not proceed as planned; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2002 and reports filed subsequent to HP's annual report on Form 10-K, as amended on January 30, 2002, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, HP's results could differ materially from HP's expectations in these statements. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.