ADIC and Adaptec Demonstrate iSCSI File Sharing at Storage Networking World; SNW Technology Demonstration Shows True Data Sharing Over iSCSI

Business Wire, Oct 17, 2001

Business/High-Tech Editors

Storage Networking World

Adaptec's Booth No. G6

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 2001

Advanced Digital Information Corporation (Nasdaq:ADIC) and Adaptec, Inc (Nasdaq:ADPT) will demonstrate the industry's first working file system for iSCSI SANs at Storage Networking World in Orlando next week in Adaptec's Booth No. G6, highlighting both companies' leadership in IP storage product development.

The demonstration combines Adaptec's iSCSI technology and ADIC's CentraVision(TM) File Sharing software to deliver true SAN file sharing over an IP network.

The technology provides collaborative data sharing over low-cost Ethernet connections, allowing multiple hosts, even hosts with different operating systems, to access the same files at the same time over an iSCSI SAN. It promises to improve network performance and lower storage costs through block-level sharing of storage resources that can reduce the need to store, duplicate and move files.

"We have shown that the power of shared storage resources and true file sharing can be achieved today in IP storage networks," said Bill Britts, ADIC Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Together, we are bringing the benefits of SAN technology within reach of a much broader customer base, as we make it possible to bring block-level file sharing technology directly to the desktop. Ultimately, this technology has the potential to unify SAN and NAS in a serverless data delivery system that could revolutionize the way storage resources are deployed and managed."

"Advanced data availability is expanding into iSCSI SANs," said Ram Jayam, Vice President and General Manager of Adaptec's Storage Networking Group. "Storage resource and data sharing, benefits largely associated today with Fibre Channel SANs, are now available in cost-effective and highly manageable IP environments. Data sharing in an iSCSI storage network can boost productivity by enabling collaborative workflow, dramatically increase storage resource utilization, and offer a path by which SAN technology can ultimately reach desktop users."

Adaptec's iSCSI products connect servers and storage devices in iSCSI SANs. Its ASIC-based iSCSI adapters provide unique protocol acceleration technology that offloads TCP/IP and iSCSI protocol processing from the host to reduce CPU utilization and free-up system resources. The products will operate at both the server and storage ends of the wire and are scalable to 10Gbit speeds.

ADIC's CVFS file sharing system allows UNIX, Windows, and Linux hosts to transparently share centralized disk resources over a high bandwidth storage network. By letting different users share storage volumes and even individual files, it enables collaborative workflow and dramatically reduces the need for IT departments to duplicate, move, store and manage files.

ADIC has been a pioneer in the integration of storage connectivity and management technology into storage systems to provide differentiated support for SAN environments. ADIC's own hardware platforms and software applications provide direct support for SCSI, iSCSI, Fibre Channel fabric and arbitrated loop protocols, with development programs in place for other SAN and NAS technologies.

Adaptec and ADIC are working together on a variety of storage networking technology development fronts to help bring SAN applications based on IP storage to market.

About Adaptec

Adaptec Inc. (Nasdaq:ADPT) provides intelligent, highly available storage access solutions that reliably move, manage and protect critical data and digital content. Adaptec's storage solutions are found in high-performance networks, servers, workstations and desktops from the world's leading manufacturers, and are sold through OEMs and distribution channels to ISPs, enterprises, medium and small businesses and consumers. Adaptec is an S&P SmallCap 600 Index member. More information is available at www.adaptec.com.

About ADIC

Advanced Digital Information Corporation (Nasdaq:ADIC) is a leading storage solutions provider to the open systems marketplace, offering a broad range of Intelligent Storage(TM) products designed to enhance organizations' abilities to store, protect, manage and use their rapidly growing network data. ADIC products include technology-independent automated storage systems, specialized storage management software, and multiple-protocol storage networking (SAN/NAS) connectivity and management tools. ADIC storage products are available through a worldwide sales force and a global network of resellers and OEMs, including Dell, EMC, Fujitsu-Siemens and IBM. Further information about ADIC is available at www.adic.com.

ADIC is a registered trademark and CentraVision and Intelligent Storage are trademarks of Advanced Digital Information Corporation. All other trade or service marks in this document should be considered the property of their respective owners.