September 26, 2007 08:35 ET

Adaptec and Open-E Join Forces to Deliver iSCSI Target Solutions for the SME Market

Combined Solution Delivers Remote Access to Advanced Data Protection and Superior Management Services

MILPITAS, CA--(Marketwire - September 26, 2007) - Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADPT), a global leader in trusted storage solutions, today announced that it has joined forces with Open-E, a leading developer of iSCSI software, to offer a reliable, advanced RAID management solution designed for system integrators developing iSCSI target solutions for small to mid-size enterprise (SME) customers. The iSCSI storage solutions support distributed, Ethernet-based, storage infrastructures using applications that generate significant data growth including email, Web applications, Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server.

To address the needs of this growing market segment, Open-E, developers of the most widely deployed iSCSI infrastructure solution on the market today, and Adaptec, have ensured seamless integration of Open-E's iSCSI target software (Open-E iSCSI-R3, Open-E NAS-R3, and the unified storage solution Open-E DSS) with Adaptec's Unified Serial™ SATA/SAS RAID controllers and host bus adapters (HBAs). Open-E customers will now have remote access to the advanced data protection and superior management services offered in Adaptec's Unified Serial SATA/SAS RAID controllers, including RAID 6, which safeguards against the simultaneous failure of two disk drives and RAID 5EE, and high-performance RAID 5 with hot space -- via the intuitive Adaptec Storage Manager™ (ASM). ASM is a next-generation storage management software that runs on all Adaptec controllers for optimizing RAID data volumes, disk utilization, provisioning, diagnostics and storage expansion.

Krzysztof Franek, CEO and President of Open-E, stated: "Adaptec was the only vendor capable of delivering solid integration with our iSCSI software solutions. By working together, we were able to build on our combined expertise and credibility to deliver a unified solution that would fully support our channel partners as they respond to market demands for affordable and highly functional storage networking solutions."

Historically, management and troubleshooting of iSCSI target RAID volumes needed to be completed locally and individually, which could be a highly inefficient and time-consuming task. Now, the integration of Adaptec Unified Serial SATA/SAS RAID controllers with Open-E's software allows users to remotely create, view and manage RAID volumes across individual and multiple iSCSI targets. It provides users with a remote, real-time view of all RAID volumes allowing them to respond immediately to emerging problems, such as degraded hard drives, or to rapidly adapt to changing storage requirements.

"As a leading developer of enabling RAID technology, Adaptec fully understands the complexities associated with the storage ecosystem, and is committed to working with all major hardware and software storage vendors, such as Open-E, to provide customers with flawless integration of all business critical technologies," said Suresh Panikar, director of branded products marketing for Adaptec. "We are delighted to be working hand-in-hand with Open-E to facilitate the delivery of a cost effective iSCSI storage solution that enables system integrators to deliver the highest levels of reliability and data integrity to their SME customers, while broadening the reach of our RAID solutions on a global basis."

Pricing and Availability

The Adaptec Unified Serial™ (SATA/SAS) RAID controllers start at MSRP US $390, and are available through worldwide distributors and resellers. For more information, please visit www.adaptec.com or call 1-800-442-7274. The Open-E DSS is available through distributors and costs $1,250 for end customers (excluding sales tax). For more information, please visit www.open-e.com.

About Adaptec

Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADPT) provides trusted storage solutions that reliably move, manage, and protect critical data and digital content. Adaptec's software and hardware-based solutions are delivered through leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and channel partners to provide storage connectivity, data protection, and networked storage to enterprises, government organizations, medium and small businesses worldwide. More information is available at www.adaptec.com.

About Open-E

Open-E GmbH in Puchheim near Munich is a software company that focuses on developing NAS/SAN-storage software that allows system integrators to set up high-performance but easy-to-use network storage systems that require no special knowledge to install and are fully compatible with leading operating systems and iSCSI initiators. Open-E GmbH distributes its products through a worldwide network of partners who are already established on the storage and networking market. More information about Open-E and Open-E products is available at: www.open-e.com

Adaptec is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are held by their respective owners.