Press release

ProCurve Networking by HP Switches Deliver Industry-leading Price, Performance and Reliability

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 16, 2000 -- Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HWP) today announced four ProCurve Networking by HP 10/100/1000 switches based on next-generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology. An industry first, ProCurve Networking by HP Switch 2512, 2524, 2312 and 2324 feature 9.6 Gbps of bandwidth integrated onto a single ASIC, and yield the highest performance in their price class. The innovation highlights HP's commitment to delivering reliable products and supporting an "always-on" Internet infrastructure.

"Innovation in features, performance and reliability has characterized HP's networking offerings over the past 15 years. These switches represent one of the highest levels of performance, ease of use and cost-effectiveness of any product in this category," said John McHugh, general manager, ProCurve Networking by HP. "HP has made aggressive strides, growing to the number three position in market share in Q2 '00. ⁽¹⁾ These products provide the customer value that will enable us to continue to grow in this market."

ProCurve Networking by HP Switch 2512 and 2524 have 12 and 24 10/100 managed switch ports, respectively, and include two gigabit transceiver slots and HP Toptools network management software. ProCurve Networking by HP Switch 2512 and 2524 are two of the first Ethernet switches to support Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), the IEEE 802.3ad standard for automatic configuration of link aggregation. In addition, ProCurve Networking by HP Switch 2512 and 2524, as well as up to 14 other ProCurve Networking by HP switches, such as the 8000m, 4000m, 2424m, 2400m and 1600m, can be stacked and managed with a single IP address.

ProCurve Networking by HP Switch 2312 and 2324 have 12 and 24 10/100 unmanaged switch ports, respectively, and two gigabit transceiver slots.

HP ProCurve switches support HP auto MDIX for automatic cable detection and correction and come in a slim 1U package. They include a lifetime warranty and software upgrades, as well as end-user telephone support.

HP also is expanding its transceiver line for further customer flexibility by launching the 100/1000T transceiver and the 100 FX transceiver. ProCurve Networking by HP Switch 2512, 2524, 2312, and 2324 will support 100/1000T, 1000SX, 1000LX, Gigabit stacking and the 100FX transceivers in the media flexible slots.

Pricing and Availability⁽²⁾