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Intel Releases iSCSI Adapter for IP Storage Over Gigabit Ethernet; New Adapter Based on Intel XScale Microarchitecture

Business Wire, Feb 5, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2002

At the Server I/O conference today, Intel Corporation unveiled a new Gigabit Ethernet adapter optimized for iSCSI storage applications. The Intel(R) PRO/1000 T IP Storage Adapter is designed to make networked storage easier and less expensive by enabling block storage data to travel over copper-based Ethernet networks.

"An increased focus on remote data replication, disaster recovery plans and deployments of high-bandwidth Gigabit Ethernet networks have created an unprecedented demand for data transferred between computer systems and storage devices," said Tim Dunn, general manager of Intel's LAN Access Division.

To address this need, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is creating the Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) specification and protocol. With iSCSI storage, devices organizations can add storage farms to any location on an Ethernet network and benefit from the familiarity and lower costs associated with Ethernet networks, such as using the same utilities to manage the entire network. According to the industry analyst firm IDC, the iSCSI market segment is projected to grow to approximately $2.48 billion by 2005.**

"Intel helped develop the Ethernet specification more than 20 years ago, and now we are bringing the Ethernet's cost-effectiveness and ease-of-management to storage technology," Dunn said. "Intel's new storage adapter allows organizations to protect and extend their investment in Ethernet infrastructure while reducing the amount of training required to add networked storage."

The Intel(R) PRO/1000 T IP Storage Adapter combines Intel's expertise in network processing and Ethernet building blocks. The new adapter includes the Intel(R) IOP310 I/O processor chipset, that off-loads storage requests from the host system processor to help improve overall system performance. The Intel IOP310 I/O processor chipset is based on the Intel(R) XScale(TM) microarchitecture, which delivers the industry's best combination of high performance and low power. In addition, the adapter draws on an Intel(R) 82544EI Gigabit Ethernet controller to enable fast data transfers across copper-based Gigabit Ethernet networks.

Intel has worked closely with Cisco Systems, IBM Corporation and other iSCSI infrastructure providers to help ensure that the Intel(R) PRO/1000 T IP Storage Adapter will interoperate with iSCSI switches and storage devices.

"The combination of the Intel PRO/1000 T IP Storage Adapter with the Cisco SN 5420 Storage Router provides customers with an effective way to decrease storage management costs and increase storage capacity utilization," said Doug Ingraham, senior manager of product management at Cisco's Storage Router Business Unit and co-chair of the Storage Networking Industry Association's (SNIA's) IP Storage Forum. "To promote the interoperability and rapid deployment of iSCSI, Cisco and Intel will continue to work together to deliver innovative solutions and applications for the storage networking industry."

"As a co-creator of the iSCSI protocol, IBM is committed to promoting interoperability and is pleased to see new solutions, such as the Intel PRO/1000 T IP Storage Adapter, enter the market," said Paul Mattson, manager for IP SAN at IBM Storage Systems Group and co-chair of the SNIA's IP Storage Forum. "We expect customers that combine the power of the IBM TotalStorage 200i and Intel's new adapter to realize significantly reduced processor utilization."

The Intel PRO/1000 T IP Storage Adapter has been released to manufacturing and will be widely available in March for the suggested list price of $695 or $3,125 in a pack of five.

Intel's networking and communications products are available through a worldwide network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information and pricing are available at www.intel.com/network or 800/538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers, 503/264-7354 for other customers.

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom.> * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Intel and XScale are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

** Source: IDC, 2001