Cabletron Systems Inc formally introduced Synthesis, an architectural blueprint for migrating customers from traditional router-based internetworks to switch-based virtual networks. Synthesis merges its own interconnection and management technology with Asynchronous Transfer Mode, virtual local network and switching capabilities, a match that it maintains offers increased performance and a decreased cost-of-ownership. The Synthesis framework is also claimed to enable customers to deploy virtual enterprise internetworks using a combination of high-speed switches and layer-three virtual routing services. Routing and switching capabilities will be provided through a combination of technologies developed in-house by Cabletron and via partnerships with firms including Cisco Systems Inc, Fore Systems Inc and Xylogics Inc.
