ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2000 — Today at Networld+Interop 2000 Atlanta, visitors to the show’s InteropNet Labs (iLabs) not only will be able to see the latest networking technologies and equipment in action, they can also better visualize how these technologies interact thanks to Microsoft® Visio® 2000 drawing and diagramming software.
Through a series of Visio diagrams displayed around the walls of the iLabs (Booth No. 1155), attendees at NetWorld+Interop 2000 Atlanta can view the network architecture of the interconnected iLabs technology focus areas. Given the complexity of the technologies being tested in the iLabs, these diagrams enable attendees to instantly understand how all the new technologies interoperate.
“When we first explored the idea of documenting the iLabs, we immediately thought of Visio based on its reputation as a standard for network documentation. Its ability to communicate complex IT systems clearly and concisely was well known in the industry,”
said Eduardo Pinheiro, product manager, iLabs.
“Moreover, we knew that many of our network engineers — who come to work with us from leading companies such as Extreme Networks and SBC — were familiar with Visio, allowing them to use the tool to share information with coworkers and NetWorld+Interop attendees.”
As a working test environment, the iLabs prides itself on being at the forefront of network development and interoperability, helping to advance technologies such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), IP multicast, voice-over IP (VoIP), and Internet protocol version 6 (Ipv6). Members of the lab also devote much of their time to demonstrating emerging technologies to visitors. The iLabs staff routinely offers classes on work done in the lab, to provide networking professionals with insight on the true state of emerging networking technologies. Used by the instructors, Visio diagrams are essential visual aids in the classroom.
In early spring 1999, the iLabs realized that documenting its network was an essential task not just for their own internal use, but also for external visitors. Visio proved to be the essential tool that allowed them to meet both these needs at once. Now, two years later, the iLabs continues to turn to Visio for its documentation needs.
“Visio has provided the iLabs teams with time saving tools unmatched in their ability to create clear and concise network diagrams,”
said Brian Chee, associate director of the Advanced Network Computing Laboratory at the University of Hawaii.
“The detail available has allowed a globally distributed team to cooperate on designs for incredibly complex network designs.”
From Microsoft’s perspective, the collaboration with iLabs has also been rewarding.
“Working closely with the iLabs staff is an invaluable experience,”
said Burke Fewel, product manager, Microsoft.
“It is an excellent way to see how some of Microsoft’s key customers — IT professionals — use Visio software. Since these users are typically on the bleeding-edge of technology, their feedback is invaluable to us; they help us keep our product in line with our users’ needs, even as those users challenge today’s technological barriers.”
Hands-on demonstrations of Microsoft Visio 2000 can be seen in the Microsoft Booth No. 5816 during the show.
About NetWorld+Interop
NetWorld+Interop is a Key3Media event. NetWorld+Interop provides networking, Internet and telecommunications professional buyers with a uniquely comprehensive forum for education and hands-on products and services in order to make critical purchase decisions. NetWorld+Interop affords buyers from enterprises, carrier/service providers, and resellers/integrators the opportunity to experience live technology demonstrations firsthand. It’s this focus on advanced, multi-vendor, multi-protocol, multi-service interoperability technologies and solutions that makes NetWorld+Interop the definitive networking, Internet and telecommunications event. Up-to-date event information is available online at www.interop.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
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