QLogic and Brocade to Accelerate Innovation in Storage Area Networks

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

QLogic QLGC, the industry leader in Fibre Channel adapters and Brocade Communications BRCD, the industry leader in Fibre Channel switches, today announced a broad technology alliance agreement that will enhance end-to-end storage connectivity for end users and accelerate innovation in Storage Area Networks.

Under the terms of the agreement, QLogic and Brocade will:

• Jointly develop capabilities to enhance Fibre Channel technology on an end-to-end basis with improved performance, manageability and reliability for enterprise customers
• Align on product plans and testing to accelerate deployment of Gen 5 and Gen 6 Fibre Channel technology
• Jointly market and evangelize advanced SAN solutions for the next-generation data centers

“Brocade and QLogic pioneered Fibre Channel and brought SANs into the mainstream enterprise,” said Jack Rondoni, Vice President of Product Management, Brocade. “Both companies have a long history of delivering innovative, high-performance connectivity solutions to address enterprise IT needs, and with this agreement we will accelerate innovation for the next generation of storage networking.”

“QLogic and Brocade are in a unique position in the industry. Between our two companies, we have the ability to innovate on server, fabric and storage connectivity to deliver end-to-end optimized solutions for our customers,” said Amit Vashi, Vice President of Products, Technology and Planning, QLogic. “Working together with Brocade will also allow us to accelerate the adoption of new SAN technologies and drive the future of Fibre Channel.”

In connection with the technology and marketing alliance agreement, QLogic also acquired Brocade's Fibre Channel and converged network adapter business. This further extends QLogic's market leading adapter offerings and ensures continuity of supply to current Brocade customers. This acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on the operating results of QLogic.

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QLogic – the Ultimate in Performance

QLogic QLGC is a global leader and technology innovator in high performance server and storage networking connectivity products. Leading OEMs and channel partners worldwide rely on QLogic for their server and storage networking solutions. For more information, visit www.qlogic.com.

Disclaimer – Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements relating to future results of the company (including certain expectations regarding impact of the acquisition on our operating results) 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: uncertainties whether the technology alliance agreement will achieved its anticipated goals, unfavorable economic conditions; potential fluctuations in operating results; gross margins that may vary over time; the stock price of the company may be volatile; the company's dependence on the networking markets served; the ability to maintain and gain market or industry acceptance of the company's products; the company's dependence on a small number of customers; the company's ability to compete effectively with other companies; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; the complexity of the company's products; declining average unit sales prices of comparable products; the company's dependence on sole source and limited source suppliers; the company's dependence on relationships with certain third-party subcontractors and contract manufacturers; sales fluctuations arising from customer transitions to new products; seasonal fluctuations and uneven sales patterns in orders from customers; a reduction in sales efforts by current distributors; changes in the company's tax provisions or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of its income tax returns; international economic, currency, regulatory, political and other risks; facilities of the company and its suppliers and customers are located in areas subject to natural disasters; the ability to protect proprietary rights; the ability to satisfactorily resolve any infringement claims; uncertain benefits from strategic business combinations, acquisitions and divestitures; declines in the market value of the company's marketable securities; changes in and compliance with regulations; difficulties in transitioning to smaller geometry process technologies; the use of "open source" software in the company's products; system security risks, data protection breaches and cyber-attacks; and the company's ability to borrow under its credit agreement is subject to certain covenants.

More detailed information on these and additional factors that 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.

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