OFM Computer Systems Selected Edgecore Networks for Deployment At Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Based Upon Product Quality, Value, Technical Support, and Reseller/Manufacturer Relationship

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers, employees and law enforcement officials at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport in Charlottesville, VA, are now able to access the airport's free Wi-Fi network within the terminal, out in the parking lot and across the tarmac thanks to a new Wi-Fi infrastructure powered exclusively by wireless networking equipment from Edgecore Networks (formerly known as SMC Networks), a global manufacturer of application-driven performance networking solutions.

The new wireless network infrastructure, which is completely comprised of solutions from Edgecore Networks, was planned, installed and maintained by locally-based OFM Computer Systems. The new system replaced a slow, unreliable 802.11a/b system to provide a high-performance, highly-reliable 802.11a/b/g infrastructure that supports any standards-based Wi-Fi device over a coverage area that spans across nearly the entire airport property.

Gene Bumgardner, Director of Technical Services for OFM Computer Systems, a single source provider of Information Technology solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses, explained that providing free Wi-Fi access to the Internet for travelers was not the only reason that the airport sought to upgrade their wireless network infrastructure. "Once they saw the speed and reliability that Edgecore's equipment delivered within the terminal, airport officials began to think of other uses for the wireless network." Bumgardner explained that they expanded the coverage of the wireless network to provide access to college-aged parking booth attendants to enable them to work on their homework, to taxi cab drivers for use while waiting for passengers, to inspection teams and security forces on the tarmac for instantaneous filing of reports, and even to the Albemarle County Police who would pull up to the curb at the airport to electronically file their reports.

"We chose to exclusively use the Edgecore/SMC wireless equipment simply because we have confidence in the company," explained Bumgardner. "Edgecore's products perform well in a cost-benefit analysis and offer a very attractive TCO. There's other equipment out there that can do the job, but it's more expensive and you're really paying more for the name and their marketing costs. In addition, Edgecore actually makes their own products, so we find that the technical support is much better than with other vendors. But the over-riding factor in selecting Edgecore has to be the relationship. Unlike most other companies, Edgecore has a personal relationship with their business partners. They actually send a human being to come see us. They visit us, talk to us and educate us. It makes all the difference in the world."

"We are especially excited about this deployment as it not only highlights the value and performance that the Edgecore/SMC product line delivers, but it reflects the extraordinary effort that we put into building, strengthening and maintaining real substantial relationships with our channel partners," explained Mike Boissiere, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Edgecore Networks. "Edgecore realizes that the strength of our company lies not only in the quality of our products, but in the partnerships that we forge with our channel partners. The partnership that we enjoy with OFM is a perfect example of a mutually beneficial relationship in which we worked closely with them to help define the solutions to satisfy the client's requirements and continued our support through the deployment of the system. This project was definitely a win-win-win scenario for OFM, Edgecore and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport."

About Edgecore Networks, Inc.

Edgecore Networks, Inc., formerly SMC Networks, Inc., is a global manufacturer of application-driven performance networking solutions designed to meet and exceed partner requirements and maximize return on investment. Our market focuses include providing solutions for SMB & enterprise LAN networks, hospitality and other MxU environments, and Metro Ethernet technology for value conscious service providers.

Edgecore Networks features a robust portfolio of networking solutions that includes managed SMB/E switches, Metro Access solutions and a variety of business-class Wi-Fi solutions, all tied together through an advanced network management system. Leveraging SMC Networks' 33-year legacy of channel loyalty, profitability, advanced technology, and dedicated partner support, Edgecore Networks provides its channel partners with a reseller program that is backed by a full complement of end-to-end networking solutions and is designed to maximize return-on-investment and increase profitability.

For more information, visit Edgecore Networks at: http://www.edgecorenetworks.com.

© 2009 Edgecore Networks, Inc. Edgecore Networks and the Edgecore Networks logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Edgecore Networks in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Edgecore Networks, Inc.

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