STORAGE

SAN JOSE, CA -- SAN Valley Systems(TM), a leading provider of wire-speed IP-SAN connectivity solutions, announced today the company has successfully completed interoperability testing of the SAN Valley SL1000 IP-SAN Gateway with Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ - news) SANworks(TM) Enterprise Storage Management suite of products in a Brocade storage area network (SAN) environment. This achievement paves the way for Compaq and channel partners to market the first complete Fibre Channel over Internet Protocol (FCIP) standards-based solution for remote storage applications. Enterprise customers seeking to connect Storage Area Networks (SANs) and to deploy applications such as SANworks(TM) Data Replication Manager (DRM) within a Compaq or Brocade fabric environment now can utilize FCIP-based technology. ``SAN extension is an increasing requirement. This alliance underscores the importance of IP-storage connectivity solutions and shows that IP is gaining appeal as an interconnect,'' said Robert Gray of IDC. ``Gaining this kind of traction with the largest providers of open systems storage and SAN infrastructure solutions is an important step for SAN Valley and shows the momentum they're building.'' An IP-based storage connectivity solution allows SAN customers to extend the reach of their Fibre Channel SANs over extended distances while increasing flexibility in deployment scenarios for applications such as data replication. Additionally, the prevalence of IP-based services allows end users to leverage existing security mechanisms and to benefit from the competitive pricing of managed IP bandwidth services. Mark Sorenson, vice president of Compaq's Storage Software and Solutions Division said, ``Compaq is committed to providing storage solutions that address customer needs to simplify global SAN networking. The completion of this testing provides customers the assurance of proven compatibility within global data replication solutions. The simplicity and scalability of FC over IP extends customers' SAN capabilities beyond the data center, with immediate benefits in terms of cost, access and performance.'' For SAN Valley, Compaq is a significant partner and both companies are jointly deploying pre-tested solutions into the marketplace using the SL1000 IP SAN Gateway. One such implementation is with a Compaq SANworks customer -- The South Financial Group -- using FC-IP technology to achieve long-distance data replication for disaster recovery protection. Recently, SAN Valley was one of the first companies to receive DRM interoperability qualification from Compaq. The SANworks program is for vendors seeking interoperability, high performance and quality assurance when connecting disparate SANs over MAN and WAN distances. Hardware and software vendors seeking to deploy products in a StorageWorks SAN environment must first achieve DRM interoperability approval if their products are to operate at the highest levels of data integrity and functionality within a Compaq SAN infrastructure. DRM's seal of interoperability approval presents many opportunities and benefits for the end user implementing an FCIP-based solution, such as a tested solution for data replication and data migration. Additionally, this interoperability milestone is beneficial for channel players carrying Compaq and Brocade equipment since they can now present a supported FCIP-based solution to their customers. The SAN Valley SL1000, when combined with Brocade SAN infrastructure, delivers wire-speed performance, traffic shaping and flow control features that prevent bottlenecks associated with distance, lost data and high latency. Thus, the combined solution of Brocade-Compaq-SAN Valley can enhance workforce productivity by allowing more network uptime with maximized throughput while reducing total cost of ownership. ``We welcome the opportunity to work with SAN Valley and Compaq to expand the options for end customers to internetwork their SANs over IP infrastructure to support their business continuance strategies and enable applications such as remote data replication over IP infrastructure,'' said Jay Kidd, Brocade Vice President of Product Marketing. ``A storage network consisting of dual redundant fabrics internetworked over distance is the only true high availability solution because it eliminates single points of failure in the storage environment. Efforts like this are an example of our continued commitment to delivering end-to-end interoperability to SAN customers.'' ``Companies connecting SANs over distances within an IP framework now have the assurance that their configurations have been qualified by best-in-class suppliers,'' said Niraj Jain, vice president of marketing and business development at SAN Valley. ``Disaster recovery has become the reason to implement this solution today. With DRM qualification, we have validated our product as interoperating at the highest levels with the largest open solutions provider. In addition to the obvious benefits for the end user, this offering also benefits the channel partners who carry Compaq and Brocade gear since it now allows them to offer proven, working FCIP-based solutions.'' Jain further noted that today's announcement provides a look into the company's relationship with Brocade, in which SAN Valley is a Brocade Fabric Threads Developer. SAN Valley Systems recently announced the general availability of its SL1000 IP-SAN Gateway and its associated SVS Management System. With wire-speed connectivity up to 500 km and even greater distances at lower speeds, the SL1000 provides industry-leading cost/performance benefits via its distinctive features and ability to leverage existing Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet infrastructures. SAN Valley products are standards-based and designed to be completely interoperable with today's leading storage and networking products. For further information visit www.sanvalley.com