Shaun Hoggan

VANCOUVER, Wash. – (Nov. 15, 2007) – New Edge Networks today announced it has earned the Cisco Powered Network designation for its private wide area network services based on Multi-Protocol Label Switching, or MPLS, technology.

New Edge Networks, the business communications unit of EarthLink Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNK), sought the Cisco Systems Inc. recognition to help demonstrate its expertise in building networks based on Cisco equipment.

In addition to using carrier-grade Cisco GSR 12000 series routers within its nationwide private network, New Edge Networks also uses Cisco 2811 and 1841 routers at the customers’ premises with its MPLS network designs. Designation is good for one year before New Edge Networks must resubmit proprietary network information for revalidation.

“The Cisco Powered brand is the ‘gold standard’ that business customers know and trust,” said Greg Griffiths, vice president of marketing for New Edge Networks. “It reassures current and prospective customers that the private MPLS services that New Edge offers are based on quality design and Cisco technologies for optimal compatibility and reliability.”

Communications providers with Cisco Powered Program designations also get access to specialized training, latest marketing intelligence on customer requirements, and forums for technical and marketing collaboration.

“The Cisco Powered Network Program is our premier partnering program for service providers,” said Al Safarikas, director of market management for Cisco Systems. “The goal of our recent program evolution is to help service providers like New Edge quickly and easily develop new services and revenue streams for a rapidly changing marketplace.”

Though New Edge Networks has used MPLS technology in its core national backbone for years, the company last fall began marketing private MPLS networks with up to five classes of service. This allows businesses to prioritize application data traffic over their private network from customer location to customer location.

MPLS technology allows businesses to manage diverse traffic types, support different network traffic patterns cost-effectively, and ensure business applications get the network performance they require. High-speed networks help businesses increase revenue, reduce operating costs, and improve overall customer experience through better service.

About New Edge Networks
New Edge Networks builds and manages private IP-based wide area networks that do not use the public Internet. Connecting business sites at virtually any address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose any blend of available access technologies – from DSL and T1 lines to fiberoptic connections – for building private and secure MPLS networks with performance guarantees. A wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLink Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNK), New Edge is based in Vancouver, Wash. For more information visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.

Contact:
Sal Cinquegrani
1-360-906-9723
1-847-420-1750 (cell)
scinquegrani@newedgenetworks.com