Tricord Systems Appoints Chief Operating Officer.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PLYMOUTH, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2000

Tricord Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:TRCD), today announced that it has appointed Joan Wrabetz as president and chief operating officer, a new position that expands the Tricord executive team in Minnesota.

Wrabetz was most recently vice president and general manager for SAN operations at StorageTek (NYSE:STK). Previously, she was vice president and chief technical officer for Tricord.

"We are delighted to welcome Joan back to Tricord as chief operating officer to take on responsibility for product development, marketing and operations," said co-CEO John Mitcham. "She has unsurpassed knowledge of the data storage and networking industries. Her recent experience in leading the storage area networking business for a major company, coupled with her knowledge of Tricord, makes her a unique asset and a valuable member of the Tricord team," Mitcham noted.

In an unrelated change, Houston-based executives David Cabello, vice president, counsel and secretary, and Kathleen Clark, vice president of marketing, are leaving Tricord to pursue other interests.

"David and Kathleen delivered sound strategic support at a critical time for Tricord," said Rod Canion, co-CEO. "Their contribution to the company has been significant, and we are now ready to move forward with a centralized team in Minnesota to further develop and grow Tricord and Tricord Storage Management Software," Canion concluded.

Tricord will close the small Houston office, which had been opened in 1999 to accommodate Cabello, Clark, and other Houston-based employees.

Tricord Systems Inc. develops and markets storage system management software. Tricord Storage Management Software (TSMS) facilitates the transparent sharing of data on network-attached storage devices, enabling organizations to centralize data storage functions and reduce the costs associated with management and storage. Tricord is based in Plymouth, Minn., USA. For more information, please call 1-800-TRICORD or 612/557-9005, or visit the company at http://www.tricord.com.

"Safe-Harbor" Statement Under Private Securities Act of 1995: The statements contained herein that are not historical facts contain forward-looking information with respect to plans, projections or future performance of the Company. There is no guarantee or assurance that these plans, projections or future performance of the Company as indicated will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially. Factors, certain risks and uncertainties that could impact the Company's future results include, without limitation, the ability of Tricord to secure financing to fund development and marketing of its software and future products, the ability to complete development and release commercially its storage system products, the ability to enter into OEM relationships or otherwise develop distribution capabilities, the market acceptance of Tricord-enabled products, the ability of the Company to maintain its cost structure in accordance with its operating plan, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Form 10K for fiscal 1998.

Tricord, Tricord Storage Management Software, TSMS, and Network Storage Made Simple are all trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of Tricord Systems Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective companies.