ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Sept. 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), the company that powers storage area networks (SANs), today introduced the Switch Module for IBM eServer(r) BladeCenter(tm) servers. The ultra-compact switch features three times the port density of any other switch module available today. Now, instead of using dual-switch module ports only for inter-switch links (ISLs) to external switch boxes, BladeCenter systems uniquely provide enough ports to support connection of external disk and tape - in many cases eliminating the cost of external switches. For customers deploying large numbers of BladeCenter systems, the new switchblade simplifies the most complex switch configuration tasks with wizard-based installation and zoning. The QLogic Enterprise Switch Module is available now for BladeCenter and IBM eServer BladeCenter T chassis.
"As BladeCenter servers proliferate in SMBs, the need grows stronger for both greater SAN connectivity and ease-of-use," said Frank Berry, vice president of marketing, QLogic Corp. "This flexible server platform now offers integrated switching technology that is even more scaleable and easier to use with wizards for easy configuration and zoning."
"Blade servers are rapidly becoming an essential component of corporate datacenters and are being used to run core business applications," said Jeff Benck, vice president, IBM eServer BladeCenter. "The QLogic Enterprise Switch Module enables IBM eServer BladeCenter systems to keep pace with the growing need for SAN connectivity."
About QLogic Switch Modules for Blade Servers
With over 90 percent market share, QLogic is the leading supplier of Fibre Channel switch modules and HBAs for bladed servers. Single-chip HBAs, switches and management controllers from QLogic provide fast, reliable and scalable storage expansion in an ultra-compact form-factor.
Powered by QLogic
Since 1993, over 50 million QLogic products have shipped inside servers, workstations, RAID subsystems, tape libraries, disk and tape drives. These products were delivered to small, medium and large enterprises around the world. Powering solutions from leading companies like Cisco, Dell, EMC, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, IBM, Network Appliance, Quantum, StorageTek and Sun Microsystems, the broad line of QLogic controller chips, host bus adapters, network switches and management software move data from storage devices through the network fabric to servers. A member of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100, QLogic was named to the following during fiscal year 2004: (i) Fortune's 100 Fastest Growing Companies list for the fourth consecutive year; (ii) Forbes' Best 200 Small Companies for the fifth consecutive year; and (iii) Business Week's list of 100 Hot Growth Companies. For more information visit www.qlogic.com.
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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: the volatility of the Company's stock price; fluctuations in operating results; the dependence on the storage area network market; the ability to maintain and gain market or industry acceptance of the Company's products; the dependence on a limited number of customers; seasonal fluctuations and uneven sales patterns in orders from customers; the ability to compete effectively with other companies; declining average unit sales prices of comparable products; a reduction in sales efforts by current distributors; the dependence on relationships with certain silicon chip suppliers and other subcontractors; the complexity of the Company's products; sales fluctuations arising from customer transitions to new products; terrorist activities and resulting military actions; international, economic, regulatory, political and other risks; changes in semiconductor foundry capacity; uncertain benefits from strategic business combinations; the ability to maintain or expand upon strategic alliances; the strain on resources caused by rapid growth and expansion; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; the ability to protect proprietary rights or to satisfactorily resolve any infringement claims; changes in tax laws or adverse audit results; decreasing effectiveness of equity compensation in employee retention; charter documents and stockholder rights plan that may discourage a business combination; and facilities located in areas subject to earthquakes.
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.
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