BROCADE and Compaq Deliver 32-node Server Clustering Demo for Novell BrainShare 2000 Conference Keynote Address

Presentation Features Storage Area Networking-Based Clustering Solution for High Availability Clustering Applications

NOVELL BRAINSHARE 2000, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH--March 27, 2000-- Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (BROCADE®) (Nasdaq: BRCD) announced today that Compaq Computer Corporation is showcasing a 32-node clustering technology demonstration based on BROCADE’s high performance storage area networking infrastructure at Novell’s annual BrainShare conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The technology demonstration is featured in today’s BrainShare opening keynote address from Novell Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt and Compaq President and CEO Michael Capellas, and showcases a Compaq 32-node server cluster based on BROCADE’s high-performance SilkWorm® Fibre Channel fabric switches.

The 32-node clustering demo, developed by BROCADE, Compaq, and Novell, highlights the benefits of server clustering using reliable, fault tolerant storage and server hardware from Compaq; a BROCADE Fibre Channel networking foundation; and Novell NetWare Cluster Services. BROCADE SilkWorm switches connect servers and storage devices through a storage area network (SAN), providing a highly available and scalable environment for data-intensive applications and storage. Used in a clustered environment, this offers a scalable platform for applications such as highly available file and print services, fault tolerant messaging and collaboration services, web and web application servers, and business-critical database servers.

The demo consists of Compaq’s enterprise, data-center class servers, including the Compaq ProLiant DL380 servers, and the new Compaq Photon 1U, 2P server. The 32-node cluster is powered by a Fibre Channel networking infrastructure of five BROCADE SilkWorm Fibre Channel fabric switches, which are marketed by Compaq as Compaq SAN Switch 16s. In the demo, the Fibre Channel switches connect more than 2 terabytes of fully-switched, meshed-fabric SAN storage and eight Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 4100s.

"BROCADE is pleased to support this demonstration of high availability clustering using Compaq high-end systems and storage in a Novell environment. The inherent high performance, reliability and scalability of Fibre Channel SAN solutions provide the ideal foundation for clustering solutions as they continue to scale to support enterprise-class applications," said Peter Tarrant, BROCADE vice president of marketing and business development.

In addition, the demo will highlight new levels of enhanced system management with a technology demonstration of directory-enabled enterprise hardware from Compaq. Based on Novell’s eDirectory, this demonstration includes directory services policies for remote management and a new level of asset management using the eDirectory as the key enabler. Enhancing system manageability, this demonstration exhibits tighter integration of Compaq hardware with Novell Net services software.

Following the keynote address, BrainShare attendees can view the technology demonstration at the BrainShare technology lab. For more information about the Compaq demonstration, see

About Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.

BROCADE (Nasdaq: BRCD) is the leading supplier of open Fibre Channel fabric solutions that provide the intelligent backbone for Storage Area Networks (SANs). The BROCADE SilkWorm^® family of Fibre Channel switches and software is designed to optimize data availability in the storage enterprise. Using BROCADE solutions, companies can simplify the implementation of Storage Area Networks, reduce the total cost of ownership of data storage environments, and improve network and application efficiency and performance.

BROCADE is committed to maintaining open, standards-based solutions. Leading systems, applications, and storage vendors have selected BROCADE as their Fibre Channel connectivity standard, including Amdahl, CNT, Compaq Computer, Data General, Dell Computer, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Groupe Bull, HP, IBM, NEC, Network Appliance, SGI, and StorageTek. In addition, BROCADE counts industry leaders Computer Associates, Emulex, Hitachi Data Systems Inc., Legato, LSI Logic, ONI Systems, QLogic, StorageNetworks, Tivoli Systems, and VERITAS among its strategic partners. For more information, visit the BROCADE website at www.brocade.com or contact the company at

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This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. BROCADE’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include risks surrounding the development of the emerging market for Storage Area Networks and for SAN switching products, the timely development, production and acceptance of new products and services, and BROCADE’s ability to compete in a highly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace. These and other risks are detailed in the form 10-K, for the year ended October 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BROCADE assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.