News Release

Federal Government Can Easily Purchase Solutions to Integrate Mainframe and Network Environments as a Result of ViON and Cisco Agreement

ViON's ENP(TM) Solutions Maximize Efficiency of Data Center Via Cisco Hardware and Cisco IOS(TM) Software
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Apr 29, 1997



Washington, DC, - April 29, 1997 - The federal government will now find iteasier to purchase technology needed to integrate legacy mainframe andenterprise-wide networks as a result of a new marketing agreement between ViONCorporation and Cisco Systems, Inc. Under the agreement, ViON will supply Ciscoequipment and software under GSA Schedule Number GS-35F-4304D. The federalgovernment will benefit from this partnership by leveraging ViON's data centerexpertise and Cisco's leadership in internetworking.

ViON's solution for integrating mainframe and networks is known as the EnterpriseNetwork Processor(TM) (ENP(TM)). In addition to integrating mainframe andnetworks, ENP can increase the efficiency of the mainframe by using Cisco's 7500routers, TN3270 server, Channel Interface Processor (CIP) and Cisco IOS(TM)software.

ViON's ENP increases mainframe efficiency by offloading TCP/IP overhead to theCIP, freeing up substantial mainframe resources. Some federal ENP beta testersgained as much as twenty-five percent of their CPU cycles as a result ofoffloading network functions from the mainframe.

"The federal government can truly benefit from the Cisco ViON alliance," said TomGillman, federal channel manager for Cisco Systems. "Solutions such as ENPbridge the gap between the mainframe and IP worlds and increase the performanceof the mainframe."

Most federal enterprise networks require legacy SNA applications to run over amore modern TCP/IP-based multi-protocol backbone. ENP solutions include Cisco'sCSNA feature, which defines the transport of SNA data streams over a TCP/IPbackbone network. Also, Cisco's TN3270 server offloads the Telnet Serverfunction from the mainframe, which further decreases mainframe cycle consumption.

The cornerstone of ViON's ENP is Cisco's IOS software, which increases networkthroughput, reduces delay time, minimizes total cost of ownership, and increasesavailability of applications. Cisco IOS software provides network administratorswith the ability to reserve bandwidth and prioritize traffic based on the type ofapplication, its source, or its destination. This software also providesextensive network management capabilities to reduce network bandwidth andprocessing overhead, off-load servers, conserve resources, and ease systemconfiguration tasks. This integrated management approach also simplifiesadministrative procedures and shortens the time required to diagnose and fixproblems. Cisco IOS software also offers a diverse set of security tools toenable the partitioning of resources and to restrict access to sensitiveinformation.

ENP is a cost effective solution because it supports Systems Network Architecture(SNA), Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) and Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in a single unit, eliminating the need forinterconnect controllers and front-end processors (FEPs).

ENP supports a wide array of LAN and WAN interfaces, including Synchronous DataLink Control (SDLC), Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, Fiber Distributed DataInterface (FDDI), T1/E1, T3/E3, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), FrameRelay, and high speed 155-Mbps Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). As a standardfeature, ENP includes an attachment to a parallel bus and tag or ESCON channelvia a channel interface processor.

"Cisco and ViON product lines are a natural fit," stated Tom Frana, President ofViON. "Our ENP offerings will help our customers in the glass house gain controlover their networks and reclaim mainframe cycles that were lost to networkingfunctions."

ViON offers three ENP models to meet government's varying needs for systemavailability and scalability.

A standard feature of the ENP is an Enhanced Warranty, which includes 5 days ofon-site support for planning, installation, configuration, and training, inaddition to the basic warranty support for component replacement and softwareupdates and upgrades. Enhanced Warranty support also provides access to ViON'sNetwork Control Center (NCC) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for technicalassistance and problem resolution.

About ViON

ViON is a systems integrator supplying products and services to the departmentsand agencies of the federal government and contractors operatinggovernment-funded facilities. ViON represents Hitachi Data Systems, CiscoSystems, EMASS, and Oci Printing Systems, as well as integrating other vendors'products into solutions. For online information about ViON's products andservices, visit our home page at http://www.vion.com.

Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO)is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information areavailable at http://www.cisco.com.

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