QLogic Initiates Next Generation, 2Gb Fibre Channel Infrastructure with Support From More Than 30 Key Industry Leaders
ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2001--
QLogic 2 Gigabit Developers' Consortium Includes OEMs, Software and
Hardware Suppliers
QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), the only end-to-end storage area network (SAN) infrastructure provider, today announced that it has formed a consortium of vendors committed to developing open, interoperable 2Gb Fibre Channel solutions for Storage Area Networks (SANs). 2Gb Fibre Channel devices deliver twice the performance of 1Gb legacy products, at dramatically lower costs, while protecting customers' existing SAN investments by maintaining seamless compatibility with the enormous installed base of current 1Gb Fibre Channel devices. The presence of 2 Gig-ready SANs are expected to fuel continued high growth currently being experienced in the SAN marketplace.
Companies who have agreed to develop 2Gb products that interoperate with QLogic SANblade(TM) host bus adapters (HBAs) and SANbox(TM) switches include:
Acer, ADIC, ATTO, BakBone Software, Broadband Storage, BMC Software, Chaparral Network Storage, CommVault Systems, Computer Associates, Crossroads, DataCore Software, DataDirect Networks, Dell, Eurologic Systems, FalconStor, Hitachi Data Systems, IBM, INRANGE Technologies, LSI Logic, Legato Systems, Inc., Network Appliance, Nishan Systems, Overland Data, Prisa Networks, Quantum ATL, Seagate Technology, Spectra Logic, StorageTek, Sun Microsystems, Tivoli Systems, VERITAS Software, Vixel, XIOtech and Zzyzx Peripherals.
"As an industry-leading SAN provider, Sun is committed to supporting open industry standards through initiatives like QLogic's 2Gb Developers' Consortium," said Kathleen Holmgren, vice president, Sun Network Storage. "These industry initiatives ensure that IT professionals benefit from the latest advancements in Fibre Channel technology like higher price-performance ratios, improved interoperability and legacy SAN protection."
With an enormously broad selection of products, members of the QLogic 2 Gigabit Developers' Consortium are delivering all the storage, servers, chips, boards, switches, software, components and support necessary to serve the insatiable storage networking needs of workgroups, enterprises and large data centers. This broad range of high-performance 2Gb products allows IT departments to build high-performance, plug-and-play SANs that are centrally managed and highly available.
The new generation of Fibre Channel components doubles SAN performance, running at 2 Gigabits-per-second, while protecting existing 1Gb Fibre Channel SAN investments with auto negotiating features that enable seamless communication with 1Gb legacy devices. In addition, 2Gb products are based on higher port densities. With products evolving from 1Gb designs based on 4-port Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) to 2Gb 16-port ASICs, more powerful silicon is available for smaller form factor designs such as 1U devices that are now becoming prevalent in the industry, as well as embedded HBA and switch applications.
"Now that end-to-end 2Gb products have started to make their way into the market, OEMs, VARs and IT executives can begin to design 2Gb technology into their storage networking plans," said Mark Edwards, senior vice president of QLogic Corporation. "As these customers migrate their SANs to the 2Gb infrastructure to harness this new level of performance, they can take comfort in knowing these products interoperate and integrate seamlessly with their current SAN investments."
Interoperability between 2Gb and 1Gb Fibre Channel products is facilitated by open industry standards such as those developed by the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) T11 committee and voluntary certification by the SANmark program run under the auspices of the Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA).
Comments from Members of the QLogic 2Gb Developers' Consortium
ADIC
"With the broad availability of 2Gb technology, Fibre Channel SAN continues to show that it is on track to keep meeting the accelerating bandwidth needs of enterprise storage managers," said Jonathan Otis, ADIC Senior Vice President, Technology. "ADIC is integrating 2Gb SAN support in its Scalar 100, Scalar 1000, and Scalar 10K automated storage libraries, and we are pleased to join with QLogic and the other technology leaders in support of open-standard 2Gb technology."
BakBone Software
"As the data storage needs of companies evolve, QLogic's 2Gb initiative provides a logical next step in meeting those growing demands," said Mike Johnson, senior director of Product Management, BakBone Software. "Through its demonstrated point-and-click interoperability, BakBone Software's NetVault maximizes the speed and power that QLogic's switches provide, enabling companies to achieve maximum throughput across the Fibre Channel networks of today and tomorrow."
BMC Software
"As with the industry, our enterprise customers are watching their storage infrastructures grow exponentially," said Chris Gahagan, vice president and general manager, Recovery & Storage Management, BMC Software. "By working with QLogic to develop 2Gb solutions, we will help our customers harness this growth and improve the overall manageability of their SAN."
Broadband Storage, Inc.
"Broadband Storage is committed to developing next-generation network storage solutions that meet the enterprise customer's continuous demands for improved manageability, scalability, reliability and performance," said Jack Staub, president and CEO of Broadband Storage. "We believe that teaming with an industry leader like QLogic to help drive 2Gb Fibre Channel interoperability and availability helps lay the foundation required to ensure a substantial market position for our new products."
Chaparral Network Storage
"Working with QLogic to certify our 2Gb router solutions was a breeze," said Greg Mangold, vice president of marketing for Chaparral Network Storage. "Interoperability is always on the top of customers' requirements lists; Chaparral will continue to actively support QLogic's certification initiatives with our future 2Gb Fibre Channel RAID controllers and storage routers."
Computer Associates
"As the first supplier of data management applications to deliver standards-based serverless SAN backup, Computer Associates is working closely with partners such as QLogic to develop full-featured storage management solutions that fully leverage Fibre Channel SAN technology to meet customers' needs for high performance and scalability," said Phil Treide, vice president of marketing, storage solutions, CA. "Because the certified interoperability of 2Gb Fibre Channel technology is critical to the market's acceptance of these SAN solutions, CA applauds and supports QLogic's leadership of this timely initiative."
Crossroads Systems
"We are excited to be a part of QLogic's 2Gb Developers' Consortium," said Rich Lautzenheiser, vice president of marketing at Crossroads Systems. "QLogic and Crossroads are working together to ensure a solid `out-of-the-box' experience for the end user. 2Gb Fibre Channel is critical to our data-intensive customers because it increases their performance for their day-to-day needs. Crossroads is currently developing our fifth generation product with a platform to focus on providing seamless connectivity between multi-protocols such as Fibre Channel, SCSI, InfiniBand and iSCSI. As the combination of multi-protocol offerings and tape drive technology continues to evolve, the demand for 2Gb Fibre Channel will increase."
DataCore Software
"DataCore's participation in QLogic's 2Gb Developers' Consortium extends a `Powered by DataCore' open, interoperable and high-performance storage virtualization offering to the 2Gbps Fibre Channel space and delivers greater utilization of storage investments," said Ken Horner, vice president of marketing for DataCore Software. "We've realized a two-fold performance boost in real world I/O workloads by combining QLogic's 2Gbps SANblade host bus adapters with DataCore's SANsymphony storage networking software."
DataDirect Networks, Inc.
"Interoperability, simplicity and open-standards technology are three essential factors in gaining wide customer acceptance of storage networking," said Bob Woolery, senior vice president, corporate development and strategic planning, DataDirect Networks. "Initiatives like the 2Gb Developers' Consortium provide the industry with a strong path in addressing the interoperability issues of next-generation networks and the Consortium's goals are synergistic with DataDirect's vision of simplicity and choice in storage networking."
Eurologic Systems
"2 Gigabit-per-second Fibre Channel is here," said Nick Thickins, director of applications marketing for Eurologic Systems. "Because many of today's throughput-intensive applications, like Web caching and video production, have reached the limits of today's 1Gb Fibre Channel, users already are installing 2Gb storage and infrastructure and running it at 1Gb rates until the rest of their applications and devices are fully 2Gb compatible. Vendors like QLogic and Eurologic are taking the lead to ensure that 2Gb Fibre Channel is deployed at a much faster rate than the previous generation of Fibre Channel through cooperative development and testing programs like QLogic's 2 Gigabit Developers' Consortium and Eurologic's LINK Alliance Program. We should see full implementation of 2Gb Fibre Channel by the fourth quarter of this year."
FalconStor
"FalconStor is happy to take advantage of QLogic's 2Gbps Fibre Channel architecture. Their SANblade HBAs and switches have doubled the performance of IPStor's storage services, which include virtualization, active-active failover, capacity-on-demand, remote replication, mirroring, application-aware snapshot, and zero-impact backup/restore enablers," said Wayne Lam, FalconStor vice president of marketing. "QLogic's strong support and commitment to quality enabled us to quickly adopt 2Gbps as part of our offering."
Hitachi Data Systems
"HDS realized very early that 2Gb Fibre Channel is an essential step in providing full SAN connectivity at effective speeds, and Hitachi Data Systems is pleased to be working with QLogic on interoperability high-speed SAN solutions," said Marlene Woodworth, vice president of Hitachi Data Systems.
INRANGE Technologies
"The reliance on ever-increasing amounts of information is driving the need for more robust network technologies, and the evolution to 2Gb Fibre Channel is the next logical step," said Sherrie Woodring, vice president and general manager of the IN-VSN Storage Networking unit of INRANGE Technologies. "This advance is especially key for INRANGE customers, who are creating some of the industry's most scalable SANs. Through our partnership with QLogic, we can integrate the leading 2Gb Fibre Channel technology into our IN-VSN FC/9000 Fibre Channel Director in the shortest time -- and that translates into greater ROI for our customers and a performance boost for their SANs."
Legato Systems
"Legato's commitment to protecting and making available our customers' mission-critical information means providing open, standards-based solutions that optimize the investments our customers have made in storage area network (SAN) technologies," said Scott McIntyre, Legato Systems vice president of product management and marketing. "The doubling of transfer speed offered by 2Gb Fibre Channel in combination with Legato's information protection and availability solutions, will deliver increased network performance and improved operational efficiency as data volumes grow and service levels rise. Legato looks forward to ongoing development in this emerging technology and to the advancement of 2Gb FC supported solutions."
Network Appliance
"Fibre Channel is a key interface for Network Appliance storage and caching solutions and next-generation networks such as DAFS. The adoption of 2Gb Fibre Channel is a natural progression to provide increased bandwidth for Network Appliance enterprise customers," said Mark Santora, senior vice president at Network Appliance. "NetApp supports QLogic's efforts in bringing cost-effective, standards-based bandwidth to the data center."
Nishan Systems
"Two Gigabit Fibre Channel is an important step in increasing the overall bandwidth of storage networks, and Nishan Systems is pleased to be working with QLogic on interoperability of 2 Gigabit Fibre Channel solutions," said Gary Orenstein, director of marketing, Nishan Systems.
Overland Data
"The early lessons of implementing Fibre Channel-based Storage Area Networks demonstrated that multi-vendor interoperability is absolutely critical for creating a next-generation high-performance SAN infrastructure," said Christoper Calisi, president and CEO at Overland. "QLogic's initiative in driving the development of standards-based, certified interoperable 2Gb technology is a significant step forward for the industry and especially for our customers."
Prisa Networks
"As we come closer to the realization of the open SAN, our customers are requiring higher levels of interoperability for their rapid deployment," said Prisa Networks' vice president of marketing, Rael Morris. "The 2Gb Developers' Consortium by QLogic will facilitate VisualSAN(TM)'s ability to work with QLogic's new products. This program represents the right initiative that industry vendors should undertake as they rollout new technology, and Prisa will continue to offer its full support."
Quantum ATL
"2 Gig technology is the next step for Fibre Channel infrastructure and will become the new industry standard for SAN environments," said Paul Messier, vice president, software and systems engineering, Quantum ATL. "We support QLogic, along with many of our customers, in developing this storage interface solution that will substantially increase performance while significantly reducing costs."
Seagate Technology
"Because the worldwide disk storage market is expected to grow at a revenue rate of more than $53 billion by 2004 with SAN adoption being a significant area, it is critical that companies continue to work together towards interoperability so that the highest levels of overall customer satisfaction can be maintained," said Brian Dexheimer, Seagate executive vice president, worldwide sales, marketing and customer service. "The developers' consortium is a great tool and resource in helping to ensure that this goal is achieved through both present and future design cycles."
Spectra Logic
"Spectra Logic is dedicated and committed to providing customers with interoperable, cost-effective SAN-based solutions. Therefore we are proud to join forces with QLogic and other key Fibre Channel providers within the SAN industry," said Hossein ZiaShakeri, VP of Advanced Engineering, Spectra Logic. "With the collaborative efforts and presence of open-standard 2Gb products, IT professionals are now able to build cost-effective, plug-and-play SANs capable of handling today's explosive data growth."
StorageTek
"StorageTek fully supports the industry's move toward 2Gb Fibre Channel architecture standards," said Timothy Steadman, StorageTek director, Corporate Alliances. "The ever increasing need for high bandwidth Fibre to meet customers' data movement requirements validates StorageTek's move to be the first storage provider to develop and introduce native Fibre Channel connectivity to the tape industry in 1999 with it's 9840 FC tape drive. We intend to build on that legacy by also being the first to provide a 2Gb native Fibre Channel tape to the market."
Tivoli Systems
"Tivoli Storage Management Solutions have long offered customers the interoperability, scalability and flexibility they need to meet the exponential growth in data," said Jose Iglesias, vice president, storage management, Tivoli. "Supporting QLogic's 2Gb Fibre Channel solutions is a natural extension of our proficiencies."
VERITAS Software
"When combined with the SAN-management functionality of VERITAS SANPoint Control(TM) and the industry-leading enterprise backup and restore capabilities of VERITAS NetBackup(TM), 2 gigabit fibre channel technology is expected to lead to improved speed and robustness in storage area networks," said John Maxwell, vice president of product marketing, VERITAS Software. "VERITAS is committed to joint development and testing with partners to provide an interoperable storage software solution that gives more choices to customers deploying SANs."
Vixel
"By aligning key vendors together and focusing their collective efforts on customer needs, the 2Gb Developers' Consortium is helping to map the transition to 2Gb technology so that users can realize all of the associated benefits," said Claude Lorenson, director of product marketing at Vixel Corporation. "Open and interoperable 2Gb SANs are the common goal and the support of such a broad base of industry leaders for the 2Gb Developers' Consortium is a very positive indicator for the Fibre Channel end-user community."
XIOtech Corporation
"We are proud to join QLogic in their efforts to bring 2Gb Fibre Channel solutions to storage consumers," stated Richard Blaschke, executive vice president of marketing for XIOtech Corporation. "Fibre channel technology to date has helped us to deliver flexible, easy-to-use, complete and cost-effective solutions to our customers. As 2Gb Fibre Channel technology evolves, XIOtech products will be completely compatible, due to the inherent interoperability of the MAGNITUDE storage platform. The evolution of 2Gb Fibre Channel products and standards will help us to extend our technology to offer solutions beyond the realm of what is possible today."
About QLogic
QLogic Corporation is changing the way the world views Storage Area Networks (SANs), serving OEMs, VARs and system integrators with the only end-to-end SAN infrastructure in the industry. With over 15 years of enterprise storage experience, the company delivers a full range of Fibre Channel switches, PCI host bus adapters, controller silicon and management chips for systems and peripherals, as well as the QLogic Management Suite of SAN management software solutions. A member of the S&P 500 Index, QLogic was ranked fourth on Forbes' Best 200 Small Companies and number 22 on Fortune's 100 Fastest Growing Companies. QLogic is integrated in over 200 OEM solutions, including: AMI, Compaq, Computer Associates, DataCore, Dell, EMC, FalconStor, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, IBM, INRANGE, Iwill, MTI Technology Corp., Quantum, Raidtec, Siemens, Sony, Sun, Unisys, VERITAS and XIOtech. For more information about QLogic and its products, contact QLogic Corp., 26600 Laguna Hills Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; telephone: 800/662-4471 (sales); 949/389-6000 (corporate); fax: 949/389-6126; home page: qlogic.com.
Note: All QLogic-issued press releases appear on the company's web site (www.qlogic.com). Any announcement that does not appear on the QLogic web site has not been issued by QLogic.
Disclaimer -- Forward-Looking Statements
With the exception of historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company wishes to advise readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include new and changing technologies and customer acceptance of those technologies; a change in semiconductor foundry capacity or conditions; fluctuations in the growth of I/O markets; fluctuations or cancellations in orders from OEM customers; the Company's ability to compete effectively with other companies; cancellation of OEM products associated with design wins; and reductions in the need for space and increased costs of operations due to facility relocation. Carrying additional expansion space may increase costs and adversely impact future earnings.
These and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are also discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its recent filings on Form S-3, Form 10-K, and Form 10-Q.
Note to Editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of the companies with which they are associated.
VERITAS, VERITAS SOFTWARE, the VERITAS logo, Business Without Interruption, VERITAS The Intelligent Storage Software Company and all other VERITAS product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of VERITAS Software Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
CONTACT:
QLogic Corp., Aliso Viejo
Steve Sturgeon (editorial), 949/389-6268
steve.sturgeon@qlogic.com
or
Tom Anderson (investors), 949/389-6213
tom.anderson@qlogic.com
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