Force10 Gets RUS Approval

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Force10 Networks, Inc., the global technology leader that service provider, enterprise, and data center operators rely on when the network is their business, today announced its C-Series™ and E-Series® of Ethernet switch/routers have received “Technical Acceptance” and “Buy American” status by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition, the Force10 S-Series™ Ethernet access switches have also been granted “Technical Acceptance.”

Rural carriers can now procure “Accepted” equipment from the Force10 line of Ethernet switching and switch/routing platforms utilizing funding and low-cost loans from the RUS to help deliver high-speed broadband services to rural and underserved communities. The RUS and the National Telecommunications Industry Association (NTIA) are responsible for dispersing the $7.2 billion in economic stimulus funding allocated for broadband initiatives under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Having successfully built scalable transport and carrier Ethernet networks for more than 200 rural LECs (local exchange carriers) and utilities, we know first-hand that they are on the industry’s leading edge when it comes to delivering advanced triple-play services, including IPTV,” says Henry Wasik, president and CEO, Force10 Networks. “We are pleased to now offer these and other rural carriers who are rapidly migrating toward Ethernet switch-based networks, a high performance and resilient solution with our newly RUS-Accepted C-Series and E-Series platforms.”

Force10 Networks Inc.