Riverstone Gets Italian Integrator

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Riverstone Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:RSTNE) today announced a partnership with the Italian subsidiary of Getronics, a leading system integrator for the information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and services sector, to deliver Riverstone's comprehensive portfolio of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) technologies to mission critical networks throughout Italy. Under the terms of the agreement, Riverstone's MPLS-enhanced RS routers and XGS switches will be integrated into Getronics' NetworkPlace(TM) product set. Riverstone's carrier class MPLS solutions provide the tools that enable network operators to deliver Layer 2 and Layer 3 services over any networking technology. Acting as a bridge between legacy and next generation IP networks, MPLS technology provides the quality of service (QoS) guarantees required for mission critical networks. "This alliance enhances our product offering by combining Riverstone's technology with our skills as network integrators and managers of ICT infrastructures, allowing us to deploy reliable and efficient solutions," said Paolo Battista of Getronics Italy. "In a constantly evolving market, Getronics can provide technological value to its customers through its ability to design and implement infrastructures tailored to the specific needs of each organization." As part of the agreement, Getronics' experienced and extensive support organization will provide post-sales maintenance and management integration services for Riverstone's solutions. In addition, Getronics Italy will provide training on Riverstone's MPLS portfolio for its Italian customers and end users. "Italian service providers and enterprises can now efficiently combine the legacy network support and reliability of Riverstone's networking solutions with the integration experience of Getronics," said Roberto Cepparotti, Riverstone's director of operations in Italy. "This partnership will help facilitate the ongoing, nationwide upgrade of the country's telecommunications infrastructure." The agreement with Getronics Italy is the result of Riverstone's channel partner program expansion in Europe, the Middle East and African (EMEA) markets. Riverstone is developing strategic alliances with key vendors, system integrators and value-added resellers to build best-of-breed solutions for Europe's mission critical networks. Italy is the world's sixth largest industrial country and Europe's fourth largest ICT market. According to the Italian Association of Information and Communications Technology, the ICT industry reached $60.6 billion in 2001. Driven by a European Union mandate to put all public services online, the Italian ICT market is expected to grow eight percent in 2003. Riverstone Networks Inc.