ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Sept. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), the leader in Fibre Channel host bus adapters (HBAs), stackable switches and blade server switches, today announced products from its SAN Express line have passed the requirements of the Microsoft Simple SAN Initiative. As part of this initiative, Microsoft is working with storage partners like QLogic to help drive the creation of simple storage area network (SAN) solutions for the SAN-friendly Windows Server 2003 platform. QLogic SAN Express products for small and medium businesses that have achieved Microsoft Simple SAN certification include SANblade QLA(r)200 HBAs and SANbox Express 1400 switches.
"Although large enterprises have long benefited from the numerous advantages of uncoupling storage from servers and attaching it directly to the network, many smaller businesses have vetoed storage networks because of their reputation for being difficult to deploy and maintain," said Dr. Claude Lorenson, Group Product Manager, of the Windows Server Division at Microsoft Corporation. "Our goal is to simplify SANs by working closely with industry leaders like QLogic so that businesses of any size can enjoy highly scalable and flexible storage resource allocation, high efficiency backup solutions, and better storage utilization."
About Microsoft's Simple SAN for Windows Server Program
To successfully hide complexity, each component of the SAN solution must contribute to the overall goal of a simplified customer experience. Using the SAN-friendly Windows Server 2003 platform of storage technologies, Microsoft is working with its storage partners to help drive the creation of simple SAN solutions for Windows Server 2003 users. Microsoft is helping to drive SAN simplification for users of Windows Server by:
-- Ensuring interoperability with the storage capabilities in
the Windows platform. Windows Server 2003 has built-in support
for SANs. By providing technical support and Plugfest
assistance, hardware interoperability in Windows Server
improves.
-- Working with vendors to simplify hardware setup. By reducing
setup complexity of the individual SAN components, the
potential for incorrectly configuring the SAN is reduced.
Simplifying setup documentation is a part of this effort.
-- Helping customers to make an informed decision about SAN
purchases. By introducing the Simple SAN for Windows
Server Program, Microsoft provides a vehicle to channel
SAN hardware solutions that are simple and easily deployed.
Customers who want help with putting together their first
SAN can see which vendors are committed to simplifying SANs
and then make their purchase decisions accordingly.
"Customers need SANs that are powerful and affordable, but above all else and especially for small and medium businesses, SANs must be easy to use," said Frank Berry, vice president of marketing, QLogic Corp. "With the operating system of choice for small and medium businesses, Windows Server 2003, Microsoft has taken the lead to simplify SANs and has already made a huge impact in the industry. We anticipate that the Microsoft Simple SAN Initiative will continue to instill great confidence in customers that would have shied away from trying SANs a few years ago."
About QLogic
QLogic is the leading supplier of Fibre Channel host bus adapters (HBAs), blade server embedded Fibre Channel switches and Fibre Channel stackable switches. The company is also a leading supplier of iSCSI HBAs. QLogic products are delivered to small, medium and large enterprises around the world, powering solutions from leading companies like Cisco, Dell, EMC, HP, IBM, NEC, Network Appliance and Sun Microsystems. QLogic is a member of the S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ 100 Index. For more information visit www.qlogic.com.
Note: All QLogic-issued press releases appear on the Company's website (www.qlogic.com). Any announcement that does not appear on the QLogic website has not been issued by QLogic.
Disclaimer - Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains statements relating to future results of the Company (including certain beliefs and projections regarding business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. The Company advises readers that these potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in operating results; gross margins may vary over time; revenues may be affected by changes in IT spending levels; our stock price may be volatile; our dependence on the storage area network market; the ability to maintain and gain market or industry acceptance of the Company's products; our dependence on a limited number of customers; seasonal fluctuations and uneven sales patterns in orders from customers; our ability to compete effectively with other companies; declining average unit sales prices of comparable products; a reduction in sales efforts by current distributors; reliance on third party licenses; dependence on sole source and limited source suppliers; our dependence on relationships with certain silicon chip suppliers; the complexity of the Company's products; sales fluctuations arising from customer transitions to new products; the uncertainty associated with SOX 404 compliance; environmental compliance costs; terrorist activities and resulting military actions; international, economic, regulatory, political and other risks; uncertain benefits from strategic business combinations; the ability to maintain or expand upon strategic alliances; the strain on resources caused by growth and expansion; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; the decreased effectiveness of equity compensation; difficulties in transitioning to smaller geometry process technologies; the ability to protect proprietary rights; the ability to satisfactorily resolve any infringement claims; changes in tax laws or adverse tax audit results; computer viruses and other tampering with our computer system; charter documents and stockholder rights plan that may discourage a business combination; and facilities located in areas subject to earthquakes and other natural disasters.
More detailed information on these and additional factors which could affect the Company's operating and financial results are described in the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other reports filed, or to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company urges all interested parties to read these reports to gain a better understanding of the many business and other risks that the Company faces. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(C)2005 QLogic Corporation. All rights reserved. QLogic, the QLogic logo, QLA, SAN Express and SANbox are registered trademarks or trademarks of QLogic Corporation. SANblade is a registered trademark in the United States. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.