Features - Storage Innovations:

PACKETLIGHT NETWORKS RECEIVES BROCADE FABRIC AWARE STATUS

PacketLight Networks, a leading developer of integrated optical transport systems for the metro has announced that PL-16000 has passed testing conducted by Brocade Communications Systems Inc for interoperability with Brocade-based Storage Area Network (SAN) infrastructure.

The testing was conducted through the Brocade Fabric Aware Program at the state-of-the-art multi-vendor SAN environment at Brocade. The Fabric Aware program is a comprehensive testing and configuration initiative designed to foster end-to-end SAN interoperability in multi-vendor Brocade SAN environments. In addition, as part of its investment in SAN interoperability, Brocade actively supports its members' interoperability initiatives.

"Unlike conventional DWDM systems, which carry storage services over dedicated lambdas, PL-16000 extends the reach of Brocade SANs to thousands of miles over legacy SONET networks, without effecting performance," said Yaki Luzon, PacketLight's vice president of Marketing. "PacketLight's unique technology of combining storage, SONET and Ethernet delivers an improved bandwidth-optimized solution to service providers."

The industry's first integrated optical transport system, the PacketLight PL-16000 combines classical DWDM with Layer 1 and Layer 2 transport aggregation, service ADM and cross-connect functionality. It combines data, voice, storage and video connections and allows carriers to deliver increased bandwidth and any type of network services -- whether existing or new -- to their customers. PacketLight's integrated solution significantly reduces capital and operating expenditures and facilitates rapid response to customer demand.

"We are pleased that PacketLight Networks has successfully completed the Fabric Aware testing with Brocade fabric switches in multi-vendor 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. The Fabric Aware program is an example of our continued commitment to delivering end-to-end interoperability to SAN customers."

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. As part of the program, companies agree to test in SAN configurations that comprise a heterogeneous mix of servers, storage subsystems, Brocade fabric switches, SAN management and enterprise applications, 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, visit www.brocade.com/partners/fabric_aware_program.jhtml.

About PacketLight Networks

PacketLight Networks offers an advanced integrated optical transport system for the metro. The PL-16000's innovative optical networking technology enables carriers to efficiently provide businesses with a variety of high-bandwidth services in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. PacketLight is backed by strategic investor ADC Telecommunications, a leading international supplier of transmission and networking systems. Venture financing was raised from Carlyle Europe Venture Partners, Pitango Venture Capital, and Portview Communications Partners. PacketLight has offices in San Diego, Paris and Israel. Please visit our Website at www.packetlight.com.