LOS ANGELES -- In association with the MEF and leading analyst firms, an innovative, Ethernet focused website www.ethernetacademy.net, was launched on Monday 27th April. The Ethernet Academy site comprises peer-reviewed technical publications together with expert-moderated forums,blogs, and intimate communities. Leveraging over a million/month hits to its associated websites, the Academy is expected to make a significant impact on the Ethernet industry.

"The MEF has been actively involved with the development and launch of this site" explained Nan Chen, president of the MEF. "The explosion of CarrierEthernet services across the globe has created a huge demand for up-to-date information and advice -- and that includes questions on transport technologies and other areas outside the remit of the MEF and its focus on services. The site is designed to bring the worldwide Ethernet community together to share its technical knowledge and explore and advance the frontiers of the technology. The idea is both to encourage specialist expertise and bring together these separate contributions to make a greater whole. We also hope it will grow an even wider community of Ethernet friends across the globe!"

The website provides a focal point for the Ethernet industries, and from day one it already includes a significant portfolio of high quality peer reviewed papers, collaborative forums, and blogs from a community of specialists. Visitors to the site are invited to join in discussion with the experts and to submit their own videos, papers, press releases or podcasts to the site. Forum topics so far include: standards & technologies, global interconnect, network design and solutions, Ethernet / IP services, mobile backhaul, applications implementation guidelines, Carrier Ethernet/IP, optical and related equipment.

As Michael Howard, co-founder and principal analyst, Infonetics Research, points out "The economic downturn favors Carrier Ethernet technologies and products, as they are a less expensive alternative to legacy equipment. In fact, service provider investment in Carrier Ethernet equipment is growing faster than overall telecom capex. The Ethernet Academy site will become a valuable resource for all Ethernet stakeholders"

MEF