HP starts gigabit networking series

Hewlett-Packard Co.'s ProCurve Networking division today launched a series of gigabit Ethernet network products with a schedule that will see new items hitting the market through the end of the year.

The products — a wireless access point, switches and management tools — will be available to federal customers through resellers, including GTSI Corp., CDW Government Inc. and PlanetGov Inc., said Darla Sommerville, Americas general manager at ProCurve.

Although the company also is targeting commercial customers, government is a prime market, she said.

The ProCurve line "could fit around a lot of government [needs]," Sommerville said. "Security has been a key piece."

ProCurve touts the network's wireless capabilities. The hardware complies with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards, and can upgrade to 802.11i when that standard is available, said Stan Takata, product manager.

Seven of the products are available now, according to the rollout schedule. Three heavy-duty switches will be available in December. All of the products are or will be listed on the General Services Administration schedule contract, Takata said.