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QLogic, NetApp and Nuova Systems Demonstrate Industry's First Converged Network With Fibre Channel Over Ethernet
[October 16, 2007]

QLogic, NetApp and Nuova Systems Demonstrate Industry's First Converged Network With Fibre Channel Over Ethernet


(PrimeNewswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
DALLAS, Oct. 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Storage Networking World -- QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), a leader in networking for storage and high-performance computing (HPC), today announced that QLogic, Network Appliance and Nuova Systems are demonstrating the industry's first converged network with Fibre Channel Over Ethernet (FCoE) technology. The technology demonstration includes converged network adapters (CNAs) from QLogic, FCoE technology from Nuova Systems and FCoE storage from Network Appliance. SNW attendees will see an entirely new generation of converged networking technology designed to provide them a greater return on their data and storage networking investment with a single, converged fabric.



"By leveraging proven technology such as 10GbE, FCoE can viably deliver cost and simplicity advantages through network convergence," said Joel Reich, general manager of the SANiSAN business unit, NetApp. "Longer term, the ability to deliver I/O consolidation will benefit enterprises and enable more protocol options."

"FCoE is an evolution of Fibre Channel that will provide data center managers a path for I/O consolidation on their servers and a converged fabric with benefits of cost, power and network simplification, while retaining the management attributes for both LAN and storage administrators," said Soni Jiandani, CMO, Nuova Systems. "Nuova Systems is committed to working closely with leading ecosystem partners in the industry to enable FCoE solutions in the 2008 timeframe."


"FCoE requires the use of a new class of converged network adapters that appear to the operating system like a Fibre Channel HBA and an Ethernet NIC consolidated into a single adapter," said Jeff Benck, president and chief operating officer, QLogic. "Converged network adapters from QLogic are designed to preserve our customers' investment in proven Fibre Channel software stacks from QLogic and provide an ability to run data networking traffic simultaneously."

About Fibre Channel over Ethernet

Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) 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.

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.

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: 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
[email protected]
Investor's Contact:
Jeanie Herbert
(949) 389-6343
[email protected]

Copyright 2007 PrimeNewswire, Inc.

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