Proposed introduction and questions, CXtec custom podcast

Ten gigabit Ethernet is an attractive option for IT managers these days, promising
radically faster performance for interconnecting local-area networks and laying a
foundation for future rounds of technology evolution. Lower costs and growing demand
pushed the 10G Ethernet market over the $1 billion mark for the first time in 2006,
according to Dell'Oro Group. 10G has been described as a "disruptive" technology,
offering a more-efficient and less-expensive approach to backbone interconnections.
Extended to the desktop, 10G can fulfill the promise of the personal computer as a true
information appliance, enabling users to work with high-speed data streams in near real
time.

Hi, I’m Paul Gillin. Welcome to this CXtec custom podcast, “TITLE?” In a moment,
we’ll speak to Rick Trussell and Pete ??? of CXtec. They’ll offer will offer advice on
sensible migration strategies for 10G networks.

Moving to 10G isn't just a matter of upgrading a few switches. This high-speed standard
handles packet routing fundamentally differently than its predecessors, meaning that
upgrades to cabling and switches are necessary. There is a payoff, of course. 10G’s high
speed should enable IT organizations to rethink their approach to network design,
eliminating error-prone point-to-point connections in favor of more efficient director
switches.

If all this sounds expensive, it doesn't have to be. 10G doesn't require a forklift upgrade.
Rather, organizations can make a staged migration by applying 10G first where it delivers
the greatest value. This enables them to leverage their existing investments while moving
to the next generation of technology on a schedule that makes sense for them.

In this CXTec custom podcast, we’ll tell you about some of the ins and outs of 10G
migration. We’ll talk about cabling and switch upgrades and the opportunity that 10G
presents for IT organizations to move to more efficient network designs.

Joining me now are Rick Trussell and Pete ??? of CXtec. [Short bios here]

(508) 202-9807 • FAX: (309) 412-6628

4 Thurber St., Framingham, MA 01702-6335
www.gillin.com • E-mail: paul@gillin.com
 Questions

1. Why go to 10G now? What are some of the driving factors?

2. What’s different about 10G? I understand the standard incorporates some very
new ideas in packet handling.

3. What are some of the infrastructure issues that IT managers need to consider in
moving to 10G?

4. Why make the move to optical? Won’t 10G work over conventional copper
cabling?

5. What new complexities does this technology introduce in cable selection?

6. What are the cost issues these upgrades present?

7. How about the payoff? What kinds of efficiencies does 10G present for network
redesign?

8. You see the opportunity to eliminate many of the point-to-point connections that
characterize existing networks. How does point-to-point become a problem over
time?

9. How is the move to 10G an opportunity to set the stage for future bandwidth
upgrades?

10. What are some steps you recommend customers take to avoid spending too much
on infrastructure upgrades for 10G?

11. What can CXtec do to help customers make intelligent choices?

(508) 202-9807 • FAX: (309) 412-6628

4 Thurber St., Framingham, MA 01702-6335
www.gillin.com • E-mail: paul@gillin.com