Avaya recently unveiled the Avaya (News - Alert) Ethernet Routing Switch (ERS) 3500. The newly launched collection of compact Ethernet switches exclusively caters to small and midsize enterprises (SME), remote branches and more public environments like schools and hospitals.

Designed to provide enterprise-class features and economical Fast and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, the Avaya ERS 3500 is ideal for smaller locations. Though it’s fairly petite, the series is big on features, offering true plug and play functionality and faster deployment.

The system also offers seamless connectivity with Avaya IP Office-one simple command, and enables all IP phones on an Avaya IP Office system. The Avaya ERS 3500 also offers tools for managing, troubleshooting and operating devices-including Web-based GUI management, all-inclusive unified management and configuration tools for large branch office deployments.

"The Avaya ERS 3500 series is the perfect family of switches for small locations,” said Marc Randall (News - Alert), senior vice president and general manager, Avaya Networking. “It provides the features and capabilities that enterprises expect at a price suited for the small and midsize market. We've designed the ERS 3500 to work seamlessly with Avaya IP Office, simplifying deployment with our flagship collaboration solution for SMEs so that businesses can be more productive, faster."

The Avaya ERS 3500 series comprises six Fast and Gigabit Ethernet switches, available in 10 and 24-port configurations. Users can also opt for models with augmented Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for increased functionality and future-proof their networks power advanced IP phones, wireless access points and video surveillance cameras.

Avaya also provides fanless switches for noise sensitive environments, such as classrooms or hotels.

The 24-port models of the Avaya ERS 3500 come equipped with Stackable Chassis Architecture, which makes it possible for customers to stack up to eight ERS 3500 units for enriched network availability, streamlined management and up to 80Gbps of virtual backplane capacity.

"Small and midsize enterprises are increasingly interested in technology that supports external communications and enhances internal collaboration,” said Justin Jaffe, research manager, SMB and Home Office Markets, IDC (News - Alert). “Given that many of these firms lack the IT expertise, budget and personnel to efficiently deploy and maintain advanced solutions, ease of use remains paramount. Plug and play solutions that feature hardware and software expressly designed to work together, like Avaya IP Office and the ERS 3500, will be particularly attractive to these customers."