Avaya (News - Alert) added to its family of Ethernet switches last week by introducing a new series of compact models designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), remote locations and other environments that require a small form factor product.

The Avaya Ethernet Routing Switch (ERS) 3500 series fills the void between the company's large enterprise-focused portfolio and its entry level switch series, the 2500. The new ERS series was developed to provide smaller companies with comprehensive, stackable and enterprise-quality switches at a cost-effective price point, says Avaya.

While boasting enterprise-class features, the 3500 series stays true to the SME sector by offering true plug-and-play functionality for IP phones. Avaya says that an IP phone system can become operational in under a minute when connected to the Ethernet Routing Switch. Users can automatically provision the switch and enable all IP phones using Avaya IP Office software.

After deployment is complete, IT personnel can manage, troubleshoot and operate IP devices using the switches' configuration and management tools, says Avaya. When paired with Avaya IP Office, the ERS switches enable deployment of mobile and business collaboration features like messaging, video conferencing and presence.

Judging by its feature set and near hands-free management, the 3500 series should be a popular choice among small enterprises with minimal IT resources that still want next-generation communication tools.

“The Avaya ERS 3500 series is the perfect family of switches for small locations -- it provides the features and capabilities that enterprises expect at a price suited for the small and midsize market,” says Marc Randall (News - Alert), senior vice president and general manager, Avaya Networking. “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 ERS 3500 Series is made up of six Fast and Gigabit Ethernet switches available in either 10- or 24-port configurations. Customers with noise-sensitive environments can make arrangements for fan-less switches.

While targeting small businesses, Avaya's new Ethernet switches can be provisioned to offer additional capacity as needed. Companies can stack up to eight ERS 3500 units for as much as 80Gbps of virtual backplane capacity.