Force10 Networks

Force10 Networks is the pioneer in resilient Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet switching and routing. Founded in 1999, Force10 revolutionized networking with the E-Series switch/router—the first product to deliver true line rate 10 Gigabit Ethernet switching and routing. The Force10 E-Series switch/routers provide best-in-class resiliency, unmatched scalability and line rate performance in all deployment configurations. Based on a patented architecture that combines fully distributed hardware, and modular software, the E-series switch/router ensures predictable application performance, increases network availability and reduces operating costs.

Today, Force10 is a global company with offices throughout the US, as well as the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, China and Korea. Among Force10 customers are world leading financial institutions, manufacturing organizations, research networks, media companies, search engines, telecommunication carriers and supercomputer clusters.

The Market

Gigabit Ethernet, first introduced in 1997, has established itself both in the enterprise and in carrier networks as the preferred networking technology. The gigabit Ethernet market is expected to grow from $4 billion in 2003 to $6.9 billion in 2006. While the 10 Gigabit Ethernet market is still in the early growth stages, historical data on the trajectory of previous generations of Ethernet technology forecasts the growth of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Each of the three prior Ethernet technologies — Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet — followed nearly identical growth trajectories. In the first year after the ratification of the applicable standard, the total market was less than $100 million, in the second year, it was approximately $400 million, and by the third year the market had topped $1 billion. Interestingly, each of these technology transitions produced new and industry-transforming companies. Force10 is the leading privately held networking company targeting the Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet markets.