Purchase of Ethernet Service Aware Software and Control Plane Underscores Focus on Simplification of Carrier Ethernet Deployments

SANTA CLARA, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 08/10/09 -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXTR) today announced the purchase of the software assets of Soapstone Networks, Inc (PINKSHEETS: SOAP). The Soapstone Networks software serves as a foundation for provisioning and service assurance for carrier Ethernet networks.

The transaction transfers ownership of the Soapstone Networks software control plane and service aware provisioning system to Extreme Networks®, enabling Extreme Networks to simplify the service provider's job of provisioning and maintaining Ethernet services for their subscribers.

"The addition of the software assets from Soapstone Networks into the Extreme Networks intellectual property portfolio continues our commitment to carrier Ethernet," said Glenn Weinberg, Vice President and General Manager, Extreme Networks Software Business Unit. "The unique provisioning and service aware capabilities of the Soapstone Networks software will enable Extreme Networks to deliver a more complete, extensible solution to carrier Ethernet service providers."

The Soapstone Networks software will be integrated into the Extreme Networks EPICenter® Network Management System, providing a service level view, provisioning and management of carrier Ethernet networks and protocols including Provider Bridging (PB), Provider Backbone Bridging (PBB), Provider Backbone Bridging with Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE), Ethernet Access Protection Switching (EAPS) and Virtual Private Line (VPLS).

For more information on Extreme Networks metro Ethernet transport solutions, please visit: www.extremenetworks.com.

About Extreme Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks provides converged Ethernet networks that support data, voice and video for enterprises and service providers. The company's network solutions feature high performance and high availability switching that deliver insight and control enabling customers to solve their real-world business communications challenges. Operating in more than 50 countries, Extreme Networks provides wired and wireless secure LANs, data center infrastructure and Service Provider Ethernet transport solutions that are complemented by a global, 24x7 service and support. For more information, visit: http://www.extremenetworks.com

About Soapstone Networks Inc.

Soapstone Networks Inc. is based in Billerica, Massachusetts. For more information about Soapstone, visit www.soapstonenetworks.com or phone 978-715-2300.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including without limitation the functionality and plans for the software are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including network design, actual product performance, and use of the products in different environments and configurations. We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this release. Other important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are contained in the Company's 10-Qs and 10-Ks which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).

Extreme Networks and EPICenter are registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.