SAN DIEGO, June 4, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), a leader in networking for storage and high performance computing (HPC), today announced it is hosting a Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) Test Drive event in San Diego from June 4 through June 6. At the event, Cisco, Computer Associates, Data Direct, Dot Hill, EMC, FalconStor, Finisar, HP, Infortrend, LSI, MiraLink, Microsoft, NetApp, Overland Data, Promise, QLogic and Symantec will test drive their hardware and software on an FCoE network. They are expected to validate the industry's promise that a simpler and more cost-effective converged network is now within reach because the operational model for FCoE is 100 percent compatible with the existing software and the operational model for native Fibre Channel. That means in the future that IT professionals will be able to easily migrate their infrastructure onto a single, converged, enhanced Ethernet network, while protecting and maintaining the stability of their investment in native Fibre Channel and Ethernet products and training.
"To help the vendors prepare for the event, I test drove several Microsoft applications on an FCoE network including Exchange and SQL Server running on Windows Server 2003," said Dennis Martin, founder and president of computer industry analyst firm, Demartek. "All the applications tested viewed the FCoE networks as just another Fibre Channel SAN."
"QLogic FCoE converged network adapters protect customers' investments in Fibre Channel because they appear to the operating system just like a Fibre Channel HBA," said Joe Kimpler, director of business alliances, QLogic Corp. "If and when data center managers decide to simplify their networks, the ability to run Ethernet data traffic and Fibre Channel storage traffic on a single adapter promises to greatly simplify the process of purchasing, deploying and managing the next generation of converged networks."
Fibre Channel over Ethernet - Unifying Data and Storage Networks
FCoE, the standard for transporting Fibre Channel frames over Ethernet, is designed to make converged networks possible for data centers. With converged networks now on the way to becoming a reality, servers will no longer require separate interfaces for data and storage networking. IT professionals can increase functionality while reducing cost and complexity by using a single set of cables and switches.
QLogic 8000 Series CNAs -- Make Your Converged Network Fly
The QLogic(r) 8000 Series is a family of converged network adapters designed for next-generation, virtualized and unified data centers with powerful multi-processor, multi-core servers. QLogic 8000 Series CNAs are optimized for both data and storage (FCoE) networking virtualization with fierce 10GbE performance to handle large numbers of virtual machines. QLogic 8000 Series CNAs also reduce data center total cost of ownership (TCO) by enabling consolidation of data and storage networking onto a single adapter to reduce cabling, power and cooling. By using the same industry standard SAN services, QLogic driver architecture and QLogic management tools already deployed with the largest installed base of Fibre Channel HBAs in the world, the QLogic 8000 Series CNAs completely protect customer investments in their existing Fibre Channel SANs.
About QLogic
QLogic is a leading supplier of high performance storage networking solutions, which include the controller chips, host adapters and fabric switches that are the backbone of storage networks for most Global 2000 corporations. The company delivers a broad and diverse portfolio of products that includes Fibre Channel HBAs, blade server embedded Fibre Channel switches, Fibre Channel stackable switches, iSCSI HBAs and iSCSI routers. The company is also a leading supplier of InfiniBand switches and InfiniBand host channel adapters for the emerging high performance computing market. QLogic products are delivered to small-to-medium businesses and large enterprises around the world via its channel partner community. QLogic products are also powering solutions from leading companies such as Cisco, Dell, EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, HP, IBM, Network Appliance and Sun Microsystems. QLogic is a member of the S&P 500 Index.
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: potential fluctuations in operating results; gross margins that may vary over time; revenues may be affected by changes in IT spending levels; the stock price of the company may be volatile; the company's dependence on the storage area network market; potential adverse effects of server virtualization technology on the company's business; potential adverse effects of increased market acceptance of blade servers; the ability to maintain and gain market or industry acceptance of the company's products; the company's dependence on a limited number of customers; seasonal fluctuations and uneven sales patterns in orders from customers; the company's ability to compete effectively with other companies; declining average unit sales prices of comparable products; a reduction in sales efforts by current distributors; dependence on sole source and limited source suppliers; the company's dependence on relationships with certain silicon chip suppliers; the complexity of the company's products; sales fluctuations arising from customer transitions to new products; environmental compliance costs; international economic, regulatory, political and other risks; uncertain benefits from strategic business combinations; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; difficulties in transitioning to smaller geometry process technologies; the ability to protect proprietary rights; the ability to satisfactorily resolve any infringement claims; reliance on third party technology; the use of "open source" software in our products; changes in our tax provisions or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income tax returns; computer viruses and other tampering with the company's computer systems; and facilities of the company and its suppliers and customers are located in areas subject to 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 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 does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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