CLEC earns Cisco Powered Network designation
Spokane, Wash. August 2, 2000 -Avista Corp. (NYSE:AVA) today announced that its telecommunications subsidiary, Avista Communications, introduced end-to-end Metropolitan Area Ethernet services that utilize the Cisco Catalyst Family of Gigabit Ethernet switches. Additionally, Avista Communications has earned the Cisco Powered Network designation.
Avista Communications has established a Gigabit Ethernet backbone, connecting two states and multiple locations to deliver Metropolitan Area Ethernet service between Spokane, Wash. and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. This leading edge service is one of many IP products and services offered by Avista Communications.
Avista is using Cisco high performance Catalyst. 6500 series switches at the core of the fiber-based network and Cisco Catalyst 3500 series XL switches as a flexible multiple wiring closet solution. The Cisco Catalyst 3500 series XL is the industry's most scalable line of stackable 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet desktop switches that delivers premium performance, manageability, flexibility and unparalleled investment protection.
"This new service and our Cisco Powered Network status furthers our commitment to provide not only leading-edge technology, but superior state-of-the-art services to meet business customers' evolving communications needs," said Gregory Green, president and chief executive officer of Avista Communications. "Our strategic relationships with networking and communications leaders such as Cisco allow Avista Communications to offer high-quality, end-to-end solutions across our scalable network."
Avista Communications Expands Leading-Edge IP Solutions Using Cisco Solutions
Humanix is one of many current Avista Communications customers to directly benefit from the new Ethernet solution. "We needed to connect our three locations with a network infrastructure that would use leading technology to build on tomorrow's possibilities," said Edwin L. Pointer, systems administrator for Humanix. "Avista Communications was the only company able to provide us an ideal solution that's robust, reliable and affordable. It's something that I never thought would be possible for several years to come."
The Cisco Powered Network designation program recognizes an elite group of service providers around the world that operate IP networks using at least 85 percent Cisco hardware and software technology.
"Cisco is dedicated to helping Avista Communications deliver a wide range of New World IP services to its business customers," said Kevin Outcalt, senior director of service provider marketing for Cisco. "With the Cisco Powered Network designation, Avista Communications' customers can be confident that they are receiving industry-leading network services."
Avista Communications, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC), is a leading provider of facilities-based telecommunications solutions. Utilizing an advanced fiber-optic network and state-of-the-art switching technology, Avista Communications offers customers a choice in local dial tone, data transport, Internet access, and enhanced telecommunications solutions. Typical customers include businesses in under-served Tier 3 and 4 markets (populations under 500,000) throughout the Western United States. For more information visit the Avista Communications website at http://www.avistacom.net.
Avista Corp. is an energy, information and technology company whose utility and subsidiary operations focus on delivering superior products and providing innovative solutions to business and residential customers throughout North America.
Avista Corp.'s affiliate companies include Avista Utilities, which operates the company's electric and natural gas generation, transmission and distribution business. Avista's non-regulated businesses include Avista Advantage, Avista Labs, Avista Communications, Avista Energy, Avista Energy Canada, Ltd., Avista Power, and Avista Ventures, the parent of Avista Development and Pentzer Corporation. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista Corp. and its affiliate businesses, visit the corporate website at www.avistacorp.com Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
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