DashCenter Selects VA Linux Network-Attached Storage Systems for DashStorage Service

Business Wire, Sept 13, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CLARKSVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 2000

Storage-for-Rent from DashCenter to Leverage

Price/Performance of High-Density Storage Appliances from VA Linux

DashCenter, Inc., an Application Service Provider (ASP), today announced that it has selected network-attached storage (NAS) appliances from VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:LNUX) as the basis for DashCenter's new storage-for-rent offering. Called DashStorage(R), DashCenter's new service will offer managed RAID storage and back-up services from AboveNet Communications' co-location centers worldwide.

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), revenue from outsourced storage services is expected to outpace all other storage growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 150%, growing from $386 million in 2000 to almost $6 billion in 2003.

"With our DashStorage service, we're introducing a new level of cost savings and flexibility to the storage-for-rent market. We chose the VA Linux 9205 NAS for its price/performance and unmatched density -- an important feature that enables us to make the most efficient use of co-location space," said Pete Celano, president and CEO of DashCenter, Inc. "VA Linux's Open Source approach to NAS is key because it gives DashCenter, along with our business and government customers, maximum flexibility and interoperability in heterogeneous network environments. With Open Source software, innovation is non-stop; we chose VA Linux because they provide the expertise and services to fully support their Open Source NAS products."

The VA Linux 9205 NAS system, introduced by VA Linux Systems yesterday, is a convenient, ultradense 2U (3.5-inch-high) storage appliance that leverages VA's expertise in Open Source software and high-density systems engineering. The 9205 NAS provides industry-leading storage density, scaling to 2.1 terabytes in an 8U form factor and to over 10TB in a standard 42U rack. In addition, the VA Linux 9205 NAS is designed to maximize uptime and reliability through features such as Global Status Monitoring, RAID 5 with hot spare, a journaling file system (ext3) for robust data integrity, and an extensive service and support package -- VA Linux Systems' award-winning "Total Linux Coverage (TLC)"(TM) for NAS.

DashCenter will initially be deploying the VA Linux NAS system at AboveNet sites in Vienna, Virginia; San Jose, California; and New York. Additional sites are forthcoming in Chicago, Atlanta, Tokyo and London.

The DashStorage offering is available to customers hosted by DashCenter, customers located at AboveNet sites, and customers at the end of fiber provided by MetroMedia Fiber Network. Further, DashCenter is now offering its DashMirror(R) data replication technology to offer RAID mirroring and database replication.

"DashCenter is well positioned to grow quickly with the storage-for-rent market. We're very excited about the synergies between our new NAS solutions and DashCenter's DashStorage service," said Robert Russo, general manager and senior vice president of worldwide field operations, VA Linux Systems. "As the one-stop source for Linux servers, software, services and now storage, we are committed to helping our Internet customers leverage the power of Open Source to scale quickly, innovate and improve competitiveness."

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems (Nasdaq:LNUX) is the world's Linux leader. The expert provider of Linux and Open Source solutions for the Web, VA Linux offers a single point of contact for highly customized Linux servers and storage -- featuring the industry's first Build-to-Order Software -- as well as professional consulting services and support. VA Linux Systems' mission is to make its customers successful through the use of Linux and Open Source -- whether they are e-businesses rapidly expanding their Internet infrastructures, or technology companies leveraging the power and methodology of Open Source software development. As part of its commitment to expanding the Open Source community, VA Linux Systems operates the Open Source Development Network (OSDN). A network of the leading Internet sites for Open Source development, distribution and discussion, OSDN includes SourceForge, Freshmeat.net, Slashdot and Linux.com. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with offices across North America and Europe, VA Linux is located on the Web at www.valinux.com.

About DashCenter

DashCenter, Inc. (Clarksville, Maryland) was founded in February 1999. DashCenter is an Application Service Provider, with special expertise in security, large databases, sites requiring big bandwidth and storage, and thick content. DashCenter sells directly across the U.S. For more information, call 877/303-8993, send email to sales@dashcenter.com, or visit the website at www.dashcenter.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to future market position, growth of the storage service provider market and results, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different from expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, continued introduction of new products and services; the evolving market for network-attached storage (NAS) and storage for rent; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; the two companies' ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; industry trends in Linux and Open Source; and other risks detailed in VA Linux's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.