Dell Broadens PowerVault SAN Support for Non-Dell Servers; Demonstrates SAN Interoperability at Spring Storage Networking World 2001.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

PALM DESERT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2001

Dell today expanded the capabilities of its PowerVault(TM) storage area network (SAN) to include support for a broad range of industry-standard servers.

With comprehensive support for many Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) and Windows(R) 2000, Intel-based platforms, Dell can offer customers a storage solution that leverages their existing Windows server investments, while scaling to accommodate their growing data requirements. Dell introduced the new PowerVault SAN at Spring Storage Networking World 2001 (SNW), a leading industry conference that educates companies on how to best deploy and grow their storage and networking solutions.

Dell has quickly grown its storage business by providing simplified and standardized storage solutions to customers ranging from small businesses to large, global corporations with enterprise-class requirements. The need for interoperability enhancements is supported by research from analyst firm Enterprise Storage Group that shows 83 percent of enterprises using SAN systems claimed interoperability among various hardware vendors' products as the most significant problem in implementing SAN technology.(1)

"Dell has a proven track record of being able to extract market share in the enterprise because of its direct sales force, customer focus and value-based pricing," said Steve Duplessie, senior analyst with the Enterprise Storage Group. "I expect this same tactic to drive success for their storage initiatives as they are often disruptive when they set their sites on a market."

Combined with Dell's industry-leading service and support, Dell SANs provide a comprehensive solution to meet the needs of organizations deploying business-critical applications. This latest capability allows the PowerVault SAN to work together with Windows servers from vendors including Compaq, IBM and HP. By offering SANs with enterprise-class functionality at a much lower price than many traditional storage vendors, Dell is addressing a fast growing portion of the total worldwide disk storage systems market. International Data Corporation expects the worldwide Open SAN market to grow 62 percent in 2001, reaching $7.1 billion.(2)

"Microsoft is pleased that Dell has utilized the broad industry adoption of Windows and Intel architecture-based servers to provide customers with an industry leading multi-vendor SAN solution," said Keith White, Senior Director of Marketing, Microsoft Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group. "Customers deploying PowerVault SAN solutions are able to take advantage of the reliability and management capabilities of Windows and achieve simpler, more cost-effective management of SANs."

Dell Exhibits Storage Interoperability at SNW 2001

In a storage demonstration, Dell will exhibit the new PowerVault 660F Fibre Channel array within a Dell PowerVault SAN. The SAN will showcase interoperability support with Dell, Compaq, HP and IBM servers. The demonstration will also feature robust disaster recovery technologies such as instant snapshot and remote mirroring for fast and safe access to business-critical data.

For more information on Dell's storage products and services, please visit www.dell.com/powervault.

About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL) is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $32 billion for the past four quarters, and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their Internet infrastructures. The company ranks No. 56 on the Fortune 500, No. 154 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 10 on the Fortune "most admired" lists of companies. Dell designs, manufacturers and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the World Wide Web at www.dell.com.

Dell PowerVault is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

(1) Source: Enterprise Storage Group - Enterprise Storage Report, Technical Review, Volume 6. (2) Source: International Data Corporation - Worldwide Disk Forecast, CY 2001.

Copyright 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. (Published in the United State of America. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by U.S. copyright laws without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is unlawful and strictly forbidden.)