Cabletron Selects GTE Internetworking as Internet Service Provider of Choice; Leverages Multiple Services from GTE as it Launches Web-based Commerce Program

GTE Internetworking, a leading national provider of reliable, high-performance Web hosting, application development and Internet access services, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Cabletron Systems, a New Hampshire-based provider of computer networking products, to implement a range of services for Cabletron's new electronic commerce initiative. In an effort to make it easier for its customers to do business with it, Cabletron Systems is now leveraging the Web to conduct business -- using worldwide Internet connectivity, custom Web hosting, managed Internet security and consulting services from GTE Internetworking.

The new site, http://www.cabletron.com, will provide customers with easy tracking and pinpointing of products through the shipping cycle, worldwide pricing in specific country currency and online registration. The commerce application also introduces a seamless on-line quoting process that enables customers and sales representatives to review quotes.

"Our new electronic commerce offering is such an integral part of our new business strategy, we wanted to make sure we partnered with the most experienced, most reliable Internet service provider," said Terry Hyland, vice president of electronic commerce at Cabletron.

"When you combine the expertise of GTE Internetworking and our commitment to making Cabletron the easiest place for our customers to do business, you have a very potent offering."

As the first step in the relationship, GTE Internetworking's Professional Services organization evaluated Cabletron's strategic, functional and technical requirements for electronic commerce applications. As Cabletron and GTE determined and prioritized the technical and business criteria to be met, Professional Services began the integration process, which incorporated GTE Internetworking's custom Web hosting services, worldwide connectivity and the managed security of Site Patrol.

"Cabletron is a perfect example of how companies that choose GTE Internetworking as the 'one-stop-shop' for Internet services can accelerate their Web initiatives," said Jan Ledbetter, vice president of marketing for GTE Internetworking Services. "What began as a consulting arrangement, quickly evolved into a substantial full-service customer win with a company clearly poised to use the Internet as a driving force for its business."

About GTE Internetworking
GTE Internetworking, a unit of GTE Corp. (NYSE: GTE), includes the former BBN Corporation, which 28 years ago developed the ARPANET, the forerunner to today's Internet, and GTE Intelligent Network Services, which provides Internet services to consumers and small businesses. GTE Internetworking offers customers, from consumers to Fortune 500 companies, a full spectrum of Internet services using IP networking technologies.

GTE Internetworking delivers complete network solutions, including dial-up and dedicated Internet access, high-performance worldwide Web hosting, managed security, Virtual Private Networks, network management, systems integration and Web-based application development for integrating the Internet into business operations. GTE Internetworking draws upon BBN's expertise in funded research and development of advanced technologies, including satellites, digital radio, multigigabit routers, security and speech, and GTE's strong existing telecommunications services, including local and long distance, wireless, paging, video and Internet. The address for the GTE Internetworking home page is
http://www.bbn.com.