QLogic Introduces New 10Gb Intelligent Ethernet Adapters

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., June 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Complementing its strengths in storage and server networking solutions, QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC) today expanded its data networking portfolio with the introduction of the all-new 3100 Series Intelligent Ethernet Adapters, offering fast 10Gb/sec Ethernet connectivity for bandwidth-intensive applications such as virtualization, database clustering, IP content delivery and grid computing.

Optimized for virtual environments -- and fully compatible with hypervisors such as VMware VSphere 4.0, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer 5.2 -- the adapters enable the creation of Virtual Private Interfaces, which provide dedicated bandwidth and security for individual applications and improved utilization of existing resources. The adapters are currently available through QLogic channel partners worldwide.

According to Dell'Oro Group, 10Gb Ethernet network adapter revenue is expected to increase, on average, by almost 50 percent annually from 2008 to 2013 reaching nearly $800 million. "10Gb Ethernet network adapter port shipments are expected to, on average, almost double annually, reaching over four million ports shipped during the same timeframe," said Seamus Crehan, vice president, Dell'Oro Group.

"The shift toward increased server virtualization, internal and external clouds and the use of SSDs are rapidly driving the need for faster data pipes," said Deni Connor, senior analyst, Storage Strategies Now. "The performance of Ethernet has consistently evolved and 10Gb Ethernet is optimized for next generation data centers deploying these technologies. With today's announcement, QLogic is positioned to address the full range of networking requirements -- from Fibre Channel to Ethernet to iSCSI to Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) -- on a truly global scale."

QLogic 3100 Series Intelligent Ethernet Adapters are low profile Ethernet-to-PCI Express adapters that support advanced protocol offload, significantly improving the throughput performance of servers, server appliances and storage platforms, while reducing host CPU utilization. The adapter architecture consists of fully programmable protocol processing engines that are designed to offload and accelerate processing tasks from layer 3 through layer 7 off the networking stack."Ten Gigabit Ethernet is gaining momentum and represents an inflection point in networking," said Dennis Martin, principle contributor at Wikibon.org. "QLogic has strong 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapter offerings right out of the gate, in a market where there is no dominant incumbent. Products like the QLogic 3100 Series promote faster adoption of higher speed networks and allow users to take advantage of a new class of servers which is especially critical in emerging virtualized environments. The introduction of these new Intelligent Ethernet Adapters marks another important step for QLogic as it continues to expand its addressable market."

Introducing QLogic NetSlice(tm) Virtualization Technology

In dynamic data center environments, managers need flexible solutions that can evolve along with IT to protect current investments in virtualization and server consolidation. QLogic NetSlice technology addresses these requirements by incorporating a unique degree of programmable support for virtualization in its Intelligent Ethernet Adapters. NetSlice enables the creation of Virtual Private Interfaces, which provide dedicated bandwidth and security for individual applications and improved utilization of existing resources.

"We're very pleased to offer QLogic's 3100 Series adapters to our customers. The addition of 10GbE technology creates a complete networking solutions portfolio from QLogic. Our customers can now expand their footprint in both existing and new accounts with QLogic," said Gary Gammon, senior vice president of marketing, Bell Micro, a leading IT distributor.

"We are now shipping QLogic 3100 Series Intelligent Ethernet Adapters," said Thomas Schiffers, founder and vice president of sales, SANDirect. "These innovative solutions allow enterprises and SMBs to consolidate resources in the data center, protect IT investments and streamline server performance."QLogic is shipping three versions of the 3100 Series dual port 10Gb
Intelligent Ethernet Adapter:

As part of today's news, QLogic also unveiled its new QLE3044-RJ, a quad port 1GbE adapter, part of the new 3000 Series of 1Gb Intelligent Ethernet Adapters targeted specifically at the enterprise virtualization and SMB markets.

3000 Series Quad-port 1GbE adapters and 3100 Series dual-port 10GbE adapters use a common set of drivers allowing for easy deployments in mixed 1GbE and 10GbE environments.

For additional information on QLogic Intelligent Ethernet Adapters, visit: http://www.qlogic.com/Products/CT_Products_EthernetAdapters.aspx

Follow QLogic on Twitter @ twitter.com/qlogicAbout QLogic

QLogic (Nasdaq:QLGC) is a global leader and technology innovator in high performance networking, including adapters, switches and ASICs. Leading OEMs and channel partners worldwide rely on QLogic products for their data, storage and server networking solutions. QLogic is a NASDAQ Global Select company and is included in the S&P 500. 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 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; revenues may be affected by changes in IT spending levels; gross margins that may vary over time; 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; the company's dependence on sole source and limited source suppliers; the company's dependence on relationships with certain silicon chip suppliers; declines in the market value of the company's marketable securities; 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 the company's products; changes in the company's tax provisions or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of its 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.