ALISO VIEJO, Calif., April 23, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), a leader in networking for storage and high performance computing (HPC), today announced its 9024FC fixed configuration InfiniBand(r) switch will support IBM's innovative new iDataPlex solution, an entirely new line of inexpensive, custom-configured rack systems. Featuring design innovations in power management and cooling, iDataPlex addresses the computing needs of companies that operate thousands of servers to facilitate higher levels of creativity, information sharing and collaboration among users -- the essence of Web 2.0. iDataPlex solutions, using QLogic(r) technology and products, provide IBM customers with a unique combination of high performance, low power and simplified management to build next generation applications and services.

QLogic will offer a number of important enabling products to iDataPlex clients, including an enhanced 24 port InfiniBand switch designed to meet the platform's special space and power demands. QLogic has also leveraged its existing HBA technology to provide connectivity to Fibre Channel SANs. iDataPlex marks the latest collaboration between QLogic and IBM to provide high performance networking solutions that help IT organizations make their next generation data centers more efficient, environmentally friendly and easier to operate.

"The IBM iDataPlex system is a highly flexible and integrated approach to massive computing environments that maximizes customer value by minimizing acquisition costs and operating expense," said Jesse Parker, vice president and general manager, QLogic Corp. "iDataPlex solutions can decrease server power consumption by as much as 40 percent. Using iDataPlex with energy-efficient QLogic InfiniBand switch and HBA technology gives customers the ability to re-allocate budget for other priorities."

"QLogic InfiniBand switches work with the iDataPlex power management and cooling design to offer energy efficient solutions for Web 2.0-style computing," said Jim Gargan, vice president of Modular Systems, IBM Systems and Technology Group. "IBM is looking to technology leaders like QLogic to build an ecosystem of ready-to-use technologies for iDataPlex that will add value for our clients."

IBM iDataPlex is a new, cost-effective, high density rack system featuring design innovations in cooling and efficiency that will help it replace the inefficient "white-box" servers commonly used in large scale-out environments. Each iDataPlex system will be custom-configured by IBM and arrive to the client integrated and ready to run from the factory. This unique delivery model also helps to keep the cost of iDataPlex well below that of "white box" systems.

QLogic 24 Port InfiniBand Switch Enables High Speed, Low Latency Clusters for iDataPlex

The QLogic enhanced 24 port InfiniBand switch delivers the highest performance interconnect available for iDataPlex in a form factor that meets its unique space, power and cooling requirements. The most comprehensive and flexible interconnect fabric solutions on the market, QLogic InfiniBand switches incorporate the industry's only fabric management tools that enable an administrator to install and boot an InfiniBand fabric in minutes, helping to satisfy the growing demand for high performance computational clusters and grids. The QLogic 9024FCi boasts non-blocking, Full Bisectional Bandwidth (FBB) that can satisfy even the most demanding clustering applications.

QLogic Fibre Channel HBAs: The Top Enterprise HBAs

QLogic market share leadership is driven by IT professionals in Global 2000 corporate data centers that are deploying Fibre Channel HBAs. It's not surprising when you consider that QLogic HBAs deliver market-leading performance and reliability across the widest range of server and OS platforms. HBAs from QLogic offer a suite of technology advancements that help storage administrators in large enterprises ensure complete business continuity, maintain application performance and cost-effectively scale their networks.

Pricing and Availability

iDataPlex will be available in the U.S. and Canada in June and globally by the end of the year. iDataPlex is a custom built solution. Please contact an IBM sales representative for configuration and pricing details.

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 like 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.

QLogic and the QLogic logo are registered trademarks of QLogic Corporation. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of the companies with which they are associated.

CONTACT:  QLogic Corporation
          Editor's Contact:
          Frank Berry
            949/389-6499
            frank.berry@qlogic.com
          Investor's Contact:
          Jeanie Herbert
            949/389-6343
            jeanie.herbert@qlogic.com