Force10 Networks Strengthens Sales Team to Focus on Emerging Market Opportunities.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Force10 Networks([R]), the pioneer in building and securing reliable networks, today announced that it has named Frank Kilpatrick vice president of worldwide systems engineering and Andrew Stewart vice president of worldwide channel operations. Mr. Kilpatrick brings over 20 years of senior level networking and service and support experience to his role at Force10 Networks while Mr. Stewart has more than 16 years of experience in designing, building and growing channel programs.

"Frank has a proven track record in building and maintaining successful systems engineering and customer support programs while Andrew has a comprehensive understanding of sales operations, channel development and field marketing," said James Hanley, senior vice president of worldwide sales at Force10 Networks. "Their collective experience and expertise will complement the customer-oriented focus of our sales team as the company continues to expand into new markets."

Mr. Kilpatrick is responsible for developing and managing Force10's systems engineering organization to more efficiently serve customers by helping them optimize their networks. He reports to James Hanley. Prior to joining Force10, Mr. Kilpatrick was vice president of U.S. enterprise systems engineering at Juniper Networks. Earlier at Extreme Networks, he served as the worldwide director of systems engineering sales. Frank also held senior level engineering and customer service management positions with Foundry Networks, Jetstream Communications and 3Com Corporation.

"Force10 has an impressive customer base and innovative technology that delivers a competitive advantage," said Kilpatrick. "A strong systems engineering organization is crucial for supporting customers that operate their network as a business critical strategic asset, and I look forward to extending the reach of Force10's best-in-class organization."

Mr. Stewart will provide strategic operational direction for Force10's growing channel program, PartnerForce, to speed entry to new markets and opportunities. Prior to joining Force10, Mr. Stewart managed sales operations, field marketing and inside sales programs as vice president of worldwide operations for NeoScale Systems. Earlier, he was director of EMEA indirect channel sales at Computer Associates, where he focused on developing partner relationships in key markets. Mr. Stewart reports to James Hanley.

About Force10 Networks

Force10 Networks is a pioneer in building and securing reliable, high performance networks. With its no compromise approach to networking and advances in high density Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet switching, routing and security, Force10 delivers the innovative technologies that allow customers to transform their networks into strategic assets at the lowest total cost of ownership. For additional information, please visit www.force10networks.com.

Force10 Networks and E-Series are registered trademarks, and C-Series, P-Series, S-Series, TeraScale and FTOS are trademarks of Force10 Networks, Inc. All other company names are trademarks of their respective holders.