AUSTIN, TX -- Dell(tm) (Nasdaq:DELL) joined Nishan Systems today in the first coast-to-coast demonstration of emerging technology that will enable customers to connect storage systems over long distances through high-speed IP (Internet Protocol) networks. Led by Nishan Systems, the demonstration uses Dell PowerEdge(tm) servers and PowerVault(tm) Fibre Channel storage with Nishan's multiprotocol IP storage switches to transfer data between locations in Newark, N.J., and Sunnyvale, Calif., at speeds up to 10 gigabits per second. Nishan's products integrate Fibre Channel and iSCSI interfaces into IP storage networks, allowing customers to leverage their existing investments in Fibre Channel, IP and Ethernet. The IP storage specifications detail how the traditional data storage and transfer protocols of SCSI, Fibre Channel and Ethernet work together to move data across IP networks. According to research from analyst firm Enterprise Storage Group, iSCSI systems will represent more than $3 billion of the storage market by late 2004. "We believe iSCSI will play particularly well in the small-to-medium business sector and will co-exist with Fibre Channel in the enterprise SAN space," said industry analyst Steve Duplessie, founder of the Enterprise Storage Group. "As iSCSI continues to gain acceptance, vendors such as Dell will be integral to instilling the end user confidence that is required for this emerging standard to become a business-accepted technology." Dell evaluates emerging standards, like iSCSI, and adopts those technologies that help customers deploy SAN and NAS systems in a more cost effective, simplified manner. Future IP storage products will be used to connect multiple Fibre Channel SANs for improved disaster recovery and remote backup functions as well as adding more high-end features to NAS systems. For those customers wishing to become early adopters of this emerging technology, Dell plans to offer Nishan's multiprotocol IP storage switches through its Software and Peripherals Business. "The multiprotocol support of Nishan's IP storage switches will complement Dell's focus on driving industry standards into the enterprise," said Aamer Latif, president and CEO of Nishan Systems. "Dell has worked closely with us to ensure the seamless connectivity of this public demonstration of IP storage connectivity on its servers and storage systems, and we look forward to working together to help drive the adoption of this new technology." For additional information visit www.dell.com