MONTREAL, September 5, 2001 - Riseau d'informations scientifiques du Quibec (RISQ), Quebec's educational telecommunications infrastructure and service provider, today announced it has chosen next generation Internet routers from Cisco Systems Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, to build out the core of its educational network. RISQ will deploy Cisco 12410 Internet Routers on its IP backbone, creating the first Multiprotocol Label Switching virtual private network (MPLS VPN) in a Canadian educational & research network able to scale to 10Gbps OC-192 speeds. The Cisco next generation Internet router architecture will allow the RISQ network to deliver high bandwidth, high-value services such as multiple streams of voice, data and video while minimizing network operation costs.

RISQ chose the Cisco 12400 Internet Router, part of the Cisco family of next generation Internet routers, for the ability to offer 10G bps performance, MPLS IP Virtual Private Networks, and IP Quality of Service (QoS). The Cisco 12400 Internet Router allows RISQ to scale its network to 10G bps core speeds and to provide the bandwidth necessary for next-generation IP services, including video conferencing and Voice over IP (VoIP). "It is critical our members have access to an adaptable network that provides very high bandwidth and IP QoS", said Pierre Bouchard, President and CEO of RISQ. "Cisco is the only equipment provider able to provide a top-of-the-line, cost-effective network architecture that delivers all of the features we were looking for. We can now deliver a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will meet the needs of our members now and into the future."

The Cisco 12400 enables RISQ to ensure member users that they are receiving the best IP QoS in the industry. Only Cisco offers guaranteed priority packet delivery, packet prioritization, the lowest latency, and packet sequence integrity available in the industry, all critical capabilities for enabling high growth, profitable real-time IP services like VoIP and video. RISQ also benefits from the Cisco 12400 Internet Router's superior investment protection, which means that RISQ can deploy all existing Cisco 12000 Internet Router line cards in the new platform.

In addition to deploying Cisco 12410 Internet Routers in its core network, RISQ is installing Cisco Catalyst 6506 and 3508G-L3 switches in the distribution level of the network as well as Cisco Catalyst 4908G switches and 7140 and 7401 routers on the edge.

"Both RISQ and Cisco have strong histories of network expertise and innovation," said Lui Fogolini, Canadian service provider operations director for Cisco. "We're pleased to be supporting RISQ in its mission to supply the educational and research institutes of Quebec with the superior service provider network infrastructures they need to carry out their mission. The 12400 routers will enable RISQ to guarantee high priority packet delivery, which is critical to meet the increasing need for premium IP services. The added capacity, performance and scalability obtained from the Cisco products will further enable RISQ to maximize the value of their members' networks."

RISQ's fiber-optic backbone is part of CA*net 3, the third generation network for research and education, provided by CANARIE Inc., Canada's advanced Internet development organization.

About RISQ

RISQ (Riseau d'informations scientifiques du Quibec - Quebec Scientific Information Network) [www.risq.qc.ca], is the higher education and research network of Quebec. RISQ's members are the universities, the colleges and other educational institutions, as well as research institutes, cultural content providers & broadcasters, and government agencies in the province of Quebec, Canada. RISQ builds its optical network with the financial assistance of the Quebec Ministry of Education. The organization's mission is to provide high-speed, state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, associated services and access to a wide range of information sources to support the teaching and research objectives of its members.

Historically, RISQ provided the first link to the Internet in Quebec. Since 1989 it has played an important part in the development of Internet-access and Internet-based services. The organization operates one of the world's most advanced backbone networks and provides information and expertise on networking and server technology to its members.

News and information are available at www.risq.qc.ca