MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., February 27, 2006 - The Ethernet Alliance, an industry group dedicated to the continued success and expansion of Ethernet technology, today announced 17 new members of the Ethernet Alliance, including Cisco Systems as principal member. Cisco also plans to join the board of directors of the Ethernet Alliance. Additional new members include Aeluros, Allied Telesis, ATI, Beam Express, ClariPhy, Extreme Networks, Fulcrum Microsystems, Gibson Guitar, Infinera, Luxtera, NetEffect, Neterion, Solarflare, Systimax, Teknovus, and Test-Um.

"Within days of our public launch, the Ethernet Alliance received numerous requests from companies who wanted to join. We are delighted to see such momentum, and the wide diversity of new members that have already joined," said Blaine Kohl, vice president marketing, Ethernet Alliance. "We are especially pleased to have Cisco as a member and look forward to welcoming them to the board of directors of the Ethernet Alliance."

"The ubiquity of Ethernet in a wide variety of networking and data center applications is the reality today," said Thomas Scheibe, product manager for the Transceiver Module Group at Cisco and the company's representative to the Ethernet Alliance. "Promoting customer benefits of Ethernet, especially in newer applications, is in the industry's best interests. Cisco is pleased to assume a leadership role in this ongoing effort."

Companies that are interested in joining the Ethernet Alliance may apply for a membership online at http://www.ethernetalliance.org/join/. Individuals who would like to receive updates on Ethernet Alliance news, activities and events may sign up for the organization's newsletter at http://www.ethernetalliance.org/join/newsjoin. Press and analysts who would like an interview or more information on the Ethernet Alliance should contact Catherine Seeds at cseeds@ketnerbarnes.com or 512-794-8876.

About the Ethernet Alliance

The Ethernet Alliance was created to promote industry awareness, acceptance and advancement of technology and products based on existing and emerging IEEE 802 Ethernet standards. The organization accelerates industry adoption and removes barriers to market entry by providing a cohesive, market responsive, industry voice on IEEE 802 Ethernet projects. For more information, visit www.ethernetalliance.org.