FREMONT, CALIF., November 7, 2001 – ZNYX Networks, the leading global provider of embedded high-availability Ethernet for CarrierClass™ systems, today announced general availability of OpenArchitect 2.0 – the extensible open management software platform for CompactPCI Ethernet switches. Version 2.0 debuts a comprehensive addition of standards-based technology used to remotely manage, monitor and control CompactPCI Ethernet switches. Version 2.0 also adds functionality for dynamic assignment of IP addresses, access to remote file systems and asset management of remote switches.

OpenArchitect 2.0 updates the launch of the original platform in Spring 2000 with new support for the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Version 2.0 supports SNMP versions 1–3 and an extensive set of associated Management Information Base (MIB) control and information structures -- MIB II, MIB II Interface Updates, RIPv2 MIB, OSPF v2 MIB, BGPv3 MIB, SMUX MIB, VLAN Extension MIB and Bridge MIB. Version 2.0 also implements the newer remote management Common Open Policy Service (COPS) specification.

“These enhancements to OpenArchitect enable powerful remote management, monitoring and control of embedded switches,” said Connie Austin, president and CEO of ZNYX Networks. “Comprehensive remote management is crucial for sophisticated embedded Ethernet solutions -- especially for large scale telco installations created when OEMs and system integrators concentrate multiple CompactPCI chassis powered with pairs of ZNYX switches.”

OpenArchitect 2.0 strengthens large scale embedded Ethernet solutions with server support for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Network File Server (NFS). DHCP eliminates the time consuming and error-prone manual configuration of IP addresses with automatic, immediate assignment of an IP address to node cards when they are hot-swapped into a chassis. NFS support allows access to remote file systems, such as saving a large log file to a remote hard drive.

New asset management capabilities are implemented in OpenArchitect 2.0 with the Common Language Equipment Identifier (CLEI) specification. CLEI allows remote access to information about the switch such as the serial number, MAC addresses and installation slot number. CLEI support improves the ability of end customers to manage assets in a complex and changing environment.

OpenArchitect provides an open management software platform fully integrated with ZNYX Networks embedded Ethernet switches for standard CompactPCI chassis and the new CompactPCI Packet Switching Backplane chassis. Switching applications developed with OpenArchitect are interoperable with all ZNYX switches powered by this common management environment.

OpenArchitect includes the Linux operating system, IP protocol stack, control applications and the OA Engine, which runs on an embedded microprocessor. With OpenArchitect, integrators implement extensive routing and control policies using Spanning Tree, VLAN, OSPF, VRRP, and QoS. OpenArchitect enables rapid porting of other UNIX/Linux-based protocols, including open source RFCs. It also enables the development of application-specific routing programs.

The OA Engine is the bridge between the OpenArchitect management software environment and high performance switch fabric. The engine transparently moves routing policies, determined by UNIX-based IP protocols, to the silicon switch fabric’s forwarding table. This bridge enables line rate packet switching, executed on silicon, which is managed by open source routing protocols – a quick time-to-market, feature-rich protocol set.

ZNYX Networks is the leading global provider of high availability embedded Ethernet solutions for CarrierClass™ systems. Equipment manufacturers and system integrators use ZNYX Networks technologies to create next-generation solutions with high-availability, high-performance, and strict compliance to telecommunications standards. The ZNYX Networks family of products and services provide design engineers with pre-built and pre-tested embedded network and switch solutions that provide significant “time to market” advantages.

Privately held, ZNYX Networks is headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with advanced research centers in Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Ottawa, Canada. Sales and professional service offices are in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, see www.znyx.com or e-mail sales@znyx.com.