Pre-configured Perle Controllers offer a high-speed solution to Texas-based school districts networking needs

Perle Systems helps a Texas school district implement a high-speed network. The Clint school district is the most geographically dispersed in the state.

Nashville, TN -- July 31, 2002 -- Perle Systems (OTC: PERL; TSE: PL), a leading provider of networking products for IP and e-business access, announced that Clint Independent School District in Clint, Texas (outside of El Paso) has completed deployment of 594e Perle controllers to manage connectivity for its newly installed high-speed network. The controller implementation puts the finishing touches on a network initiative that saw the District convert to a new T1 infrastructure to link all its campuses and central offices. DBI Computer Service based in El Paso, Texas provided the networking service and support for the project.

Martin Schafer, computer specialist with the Clint Independent School District, explains that with its schools located within a 300 sq. mile radius, the District is one of the most geographically dispersed in the state of Texas.

Because of the geographical challenges we face in our region and the relatively small student population, Clint was one of the last school districts to switch from dial-up to high speed. However, when the time came to make the conversion, we needed to put everything in place as quickly as possible. In looking at available controller technology, we found that the Perle products offered the flexibility, performance and ease of use we were looking for. With schools and head office operations to network, we certainly didnt want to have a fight on our hands with every implementation. Once the Perle controllers were pre-configured for us, we were able to complete implementation at each site within a matter of hours."

Mike Drake, president of DBI Computer Service, adds that the Perle controllers were the ideal choice because they could be easily pre-configured for the AS/400 environment to allow for rapid implementation. Clint District was looking for an economical way to get reliable connections between the schools. Whereas other controllers presented considerable configuration challenges, we were able to configure the Perle product and network it to a test site 30 miles away within two hours. No one came close to matching that. After the test, we simply configured the rest of the controllers for their specific destinations and delivered them to the District to implement on their own. It was an easy solution to what could have been a challenging situation."

Todays school districts are facing a number of challenges, not the least of which is achieving optimum network performance on limited budgets. DBIs work with Clint is an excellent example of how networking products can deliver the performance and flexibility required to facilitate high-speed connectivity, without demanding a huge capital outlay in terms of materials and support," said Joe Perle, president of Perle Systems.

About Perle Systems
Perle Systems, is a leading developer, manufacturer and vendor of award-winning networking products. These products are used to connect remote users reliably and securely to central servers for a wide variety of e-business and general business applications. Perle specializes in Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity applications, with an increasing focus on mid-size IP routing solutions. Product lines include routers, remote access servers, console servers, serial servers, multi-port serial cards and network controllers. Perle distinguishes itself by its ownership of extensive networking technology, depth of experience in major network connectivity environments and channel relationships in major world markets. Perle Systems has offices in 9 countries and sells its products through distribution channels worldwide. Its stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (symbol PERL) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol PL). For more information about Perle and its products, access the Company's Web site at http://www.perle.com.

Contacts:   
Kevin Segriff
Senior Product Manager   
Perle Systems   
(905) 946-5040   
ksegriff@perle.com
   
Julie McDaniel
Vice President, Marketing
Perle Systems
(905) 946-5003
jmcdaniel@perle.com