STORAGE

ALISO VIEJO, CA -- SuSE Linux, a provider of open source solutions, and QLogic Corp. (Nasdaq:QLGC), the only end-to-end storage area network (SAN) infrastructure provider, announced an agreement in which QLogic's SANblade(TM) host bus adapters (HBAs) and SANbox(TM) switches will support SuSE Linux 7.3 for integration into SAN solutions for original equipment manufacturers, resellers and system integrators. QLogic's SANblade family of HBAs simplifies SAN design, acquisition and deployment, with all SANblade products engineered around a standard, common driver interface (CDI) so developers can migrate between topologies with minimal investment and bring new-technology products to market quickly. QLogic SANbox switches are capable of networking storage at distances in excess of 100 km, scalable to over seven million nodes. QLogic's broad range of high-performance SAN infrastructure products, available from a single vendor, allows OEMs, VARs storage service providers (SSPs) and end-users to build cost-effective, plug-and-play SANs that are centrally managed and highly available. The release of SuSE Linux 7.3 strengthens the company's commitment to deliver high-end enterprise and standard desktop users the latest Linux advantages in security, stability and ergonomical user interface through new image, graphics and audio features. The newest release confirms SuSE Linux as one of the maturest operating systems for enterprise-level operations. "We are completely pleased to work with QLogic as we debut SuSE Linux 7.3," said Holger Dyroff, director of sales. "Combining their recognized SAN expertise with SuSE 7.3 provides a wide range of enterprise operations with the latest advanced SAN technologies. QLogic's ability to deliver highly customizable SAN solutions meets the latest trend of complete integration of data over diverse networks." "Offering complete end-to-end connectivity for SANs operating in the Linux environment, extends our products and services for OEMs, system integrators and resellers," said Frank Berry, vice president, QLogic Corp. "Our commitment has always been delivery and service of open-standard, SAN infrastructure solutions that can be tailored to complement the diverse requirements that exist in the complexity of enterprise operations. The opportunity to work with SuSE allows us to advance common SAN technology roadmaps for a new world of companies that see the great value of open source computing." The newly released SuSE Linux 7.3 Professional offers IT professionals a comprehensive portfolio of more than 2,000 up-to-date software packages. The new version provides professional users with all tools required for implementing file and print servers as well as WWW, proxy, mail, and news servers under Linux. D.H. Brown Associates, Inc., a leading research and consulting firm that provides strategic analysis, assessment, and evaluation of technologies, products, and market trends in the Information Industry, just completed a study of "Linux-based operating systems." The conclusion: "SuSE Linux 7.2 has the overall functional lead among the studied Linux distributions, taking the top place in the categories of RAS (Reliability, Availability and Serviceability), Systems Management, and Directory and Security Services." For more information visit www.suse.com or www.qlogic.com