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SGI Receives Brocade Fabric Aware Status

SGI, one of the world's leading suppliers of advanced data management solutions for high-performance computing and visualization environments, has announced that its families of SGI Origin and SGI Onyx systems have been verified by Brocade Communications Systems Inc as interoperable with Brocade technology-based storage area networking (SAN) infrastructure. The testing was conducted through the Brocade Fabric Aware Program, an end-to-end interoperability initiative for enterprise SANs. The program is a comprehensive testing and configuration initiative designed to foster end-to-end SAN interoperability in multivendor Brocade technology-based SAN environments.

"Today's announcement ensures SGI customers will have access to the most reliable, interoperable, heterogeneous SAN environment available in the industry," said Bob Murphy, marketing manager, SGI Storage Solutions. "The Brocade Fabric Aware certification is a key component of SGI's commitment to provide the best solutions for managing the world's most data-intensive environments for technical applications."

With the unique SGI NUMAflex approach to modular computing, SGI Origin 300 and SGI Origin 3000 series servers deliver industry-leading application performance, scalability and customization options, making it ideal for computational throughput, media streaming or the management of complex data. SGI Onyx 3000 series and SGI Onyx 300 systems with InfiniteReality and InfinitePerformance graphics offer the highest level of system performance, graphics scalability and digital media features available, the pinnacle of visual supercomputing.

Testing was conducted at the Brocade interoperability labs, state-of-the-art facilities supporting end-to-end interoperability and performance testing of SAN products in multivendor and large-fabric SAN environments. In addition, as part of its investment in SAN interoperability, Brocade actively supports its partners' interoperability initiatives.

"The Fabric Aware program is an example of our continued investment in delivering end-to-end SAN interoperability to our partners and their customers, and we are pleased that SGI has successfully completed the Fabric Aware testing with Brocade fabric switches in heterogeneous SAN environments," said Jay Kidd, Brocade vice president of Product Marketing. "Storage area networks are being deployed worldwide at a rapid rate as a scalable, high-performance networking foundation for storage environments. End users are implementing large-fabric SANs comprising hundreds of storage subsystems, servers and networking technologies, all from multiple vendors."

About the Brocade Fabric Aware Program

The Brocade Fabric Aware program is a comprehensive testing and configuration initiative designed to foster end-to-end SAN interoperability in multivendor storage environments. As part of the program, companies agree to test in SAN configurations that comprise a heterogeneous mix of servers, storage subsystems, Brocade fabric switches and other SAN technologies. Brocade has created an interoperability lab comprising a heterogeneous SAN fabric, in which the company tests and validates partner equipment in specific configurations. Vendors receive Brocade Fabric Aware qualification after completing tests to confirm that vendors' products meet interoperability guidelines. For more information on the Brocade Fabric Aware Program, visit www.brocad e.com/partners/fabric--aware--program.jhtml.

About SGI

Celebrating its 20th year, SGI, also known as Silicon Graphics Inc, is one of the world's leaders in high-performance computing, visualization and the management of complex data. SGI products, services and solutions enable its technical and creative customers to gain strategic and competitive advantages in their core businesses. Whether being used to design and build safer cars and airplanes, discover new medications and oil reserves, predict the weather, entertain us with thrilling movie special effects or provide mission-critical support for government and defense, SGI systems and expertise are empowering a world of innovation and discovery. The company, located on the Web at www.sgi.com, is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has offices worldwide.