Intel and FORE Bridge the Gap Between Ethernet and ATM

Technology Leaders Team to Deliver Best-in-Class, End-to-End Solutions

NOTE: Intel and FORE executives will host a press conference at the Las Vegas Hilton to discuss the details of this agreement and answer questions at 10:15 a.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, May 5. To attend via teleconference, dial (800) 967-7141 (domestic) or (719) 457-2630 (International), confirmation #472458. To hear a recording of the call, dial (888) 831-6375 (domestic) or (402) 220-0868 (International). An electronic copy of the presentation is available on Intel's Web site at www.intel.com/pressroom.

LAS VEGAS, May 5, 1998 – Intel Corporation [INTC], a leader in Fast Ethernet technology, and FORE Systems, Inc. [NASDAQ: FORE], a leading ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) provider, will announce an alliance and unveil their strategy to provide integrated Ethernet and ATM networking solutions for enterprise customers at a press conference today at the Networld+Interop tradeshow. Together the two companies plan to create technology and will work to enhance industry specifications that help deliver the combined benefits of ATM and Ethernet technology for products that deliver the quality, scalability, price and performance demanded by enterprise customers. The agreement between Intel and FORE extends beyond joint development of solutions to include some joint marketing and sales efforts designed to provide best-in-class service.

"Enterprise customers should not be forced to choose between Ethernet and ATM when what they really need are both. These customers have complex needs that require a balanced solution which helps seamlessly integrate both technologies across their networks," said Frank Gill, Intel executive vice president and general manager, Small Business and Networking Group.

ATM and Ethernet both offer distinct advantages. The decision when and where to implement ATM and Ethernet is dependent upon both the size of the network and the application requirements. ATM helps provide network reliability and scalability for larger companies utilizing a multiservice Intelligent Infrastructure™ to prioritize traffic and help reduce operational costs by consolidating voice, video and data simultaneously. Ethernet provides the affordability and ease of use which is most critical in workgroups or smaller networking environments. The ideal solution is one that has the ability to incorporate both technologies and the ability to evolve with a company's business needs. The Intel and FORE alliance will integrate what has been mistakenly viewed as competing technologies into a comprehensive solution which yields the benefits of both Ethernet and ATM.

The first result of this agreement is FORE's ES-2810 Switch, which incorporates Intel's Fast Ethernet switching technology. The ES-2810, which is being demonstrated at Networld+Interop in FORE Systems' booth, #3643, will be available in June. Future products for Intel's customers will include an ATM Interface for the Intel® Express 500 Series of scalable, stackable switches.

"FORE and Intel are uniquely positioned to deliver the best of both ATM and Ethernet, which will help create an integrated, end-to-end solution," said Thomas J. Gill, president and CEO, FORE Systems, Inc. "Our goal is to provide balanced computing across an Intelligent Infrastructure offering comprehensive solutions that give our enterprise customers a clear competitive advantage."

FORE Systems is a leading global supplier of networking solutions based on an Intelligent Infrastructure designed to handle the networked applications of today and tomorrow. FORE's Networks of Steel™ deliver the increased capacity, reduced complexity and unparalleled flexibility and scalability necessary to build networks that last. Thousands of enterprise and service provider customers worldwide have put FORE Systems' solutions at the heart of their networks. For more information on FORE's Networks of Steel, call (888) 404-0444.

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