NetApp Teams With QLogic to Deliver First Native FCoE SAN Storage Solution

Converged Network Adapter From QLogic Integrated Into NetApp Storage Systems


DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Storage Networking World -- QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), a leading supplier of high performance network infrastructure solutions, today announced the world's first FCoE storage array from NetApp is powered by QLogic. Converged Network Adapter (CNA) technology from QLogic is embedded in storage arrays from NetApp to offer a single interface to converged networks, providing customers with the storage and networking combination needed to augment and enhance their data center environments. In addition, QLogic 8000 Series CNAs have been qualified by NetApp for server connectivity to converged fabrics with NetApp(r) storage.

"NetApp and QLogic have worked closely together and with leading members of the FCoE ecosystem for more than a year to make FCoE networks a reality," said Patrick Rogers, vice president of Solutions Marketing for NetApp. "By extending Fibre Channel into the Ethernet environment, FCoE gives businesses the ability to unify storage and data networks, streamline IT operations and improve staff productivity."

"The industry's first native FCoE storage systems from NetApp are a major milestone in the advance of converged networks," said Amit Vashi, vice president of marketing, QLogic Host Solutions Group. "With QLogic 8000 Series adapters, NetApp native FCoE storage systems make it possible for IT executives to implement end-to-end FCoE networks for the first time."

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 FCoE Converged Network Adapters -- Make Your Network Fly

The QLogic 8000 Series is a family of converged network adapters designed to unify data center networks. With 10GbE performance, QLogic 8000 Series CNAs are optimized for both data and storage networking in large-scale enterprises using powerful, multi-processor, multi-core servers. QLogic 8000 Series CNAs consolidate data and storage networking onto a single adapter to reduce cabling, power and cooling, which lowers total cost of ownership (TCO). QLogic has the largest installed base of Fibre Channel HBAs in the world and QLogic 8000 Series CNAs leverage that proven driver architecture. That's why QLogic 8000 Series CNAs plug-and-play with existing Fibre Chanel SANs and fully protect customers' investments.

About QLogic

QLogic is a leading supplier of high performance network infrastructure 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 adapters, blade server embedded Fibre Channel switches, Fibre Channel stackable switches, iSCSI adapters 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, NetApp 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; declines in the market value of the company's marketable securities; 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 the company's products; changes in the company's tax provisions or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of its 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.

QLogic and the QLogic logo are registered trademarks of QLogic Corporation. NetApp, the NetApp logo, and Go further, faster are trademarks or registered trademarks of NetApp, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of the companies with which they are associated.



            

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