Brocade Redefines the Economics for Enterprise Campus Networking

SAN JOSE, CA, Nov 08 (MARKET WIRE) --
Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) today announced the introduction of new enterprise
networking solutions that help organizations adapt to demanding new
applications and ever-changing business requirements.

The first of these new products is the Brocade(R) ICX(TM) 6610 Switch, a
high-performance Ethernet access switch that combines chassis-like
reliability and performance with the flexibility and affordability of a
stackable switch. Optimized for today's demanding applications and mobile
workforce, it delivers five times the stacking bandwidth of the leading
competitor. In addition, the Brocade ICX 6610 provides 8x10 Gigabit
Ethernet (GbE) uplink ports and the highest aggregation bandwidth in its
class. As a result, the Brocade ICX 6610 offers a 35 percent improvement
in total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to competitive offerings as
well as a longer functional product life for an improved return on
investment (ROI).

"We are impressed with what we have seen so far in the Brocade ICX 6610.
The number of interfaces and layout of the switch allow for a great deal
of flexibility in how we can deploy it. For a small sized network staff
we need simple, reliable technology that scales and fits our business and
the ICX 6610 can meet that," said Roger Holtsmith, network supervisor,
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

Continuing its goal of improving the economics for aggregation and core
networks, Brocade also announced new blades and significant performance
and scalability enhancements for the Brocade FastIron(R) SX Series of
chassis-based aggregation and core switches. The new high-density 8x10
GbE blades set a new standard for price-performance value, enabling the
Brocade FastIron SX to scale up to 128 ports of 10 GbE. Featuring hitless
failover to provide the highest levels of availability, the Brocade
FastIron SX is ideal for today's business-critical campus LAN
environments. Additional new features include Multi-Chassis Trunking
(MCT) for active-active resiliency that delivers twice the bandwidth of
traditional active-passive redundant designs, plus MACsec and Energy
Efficient Ethernet (EEE)-ready hardware for investment protection.

As the demands on enterprise IT have exploded in recent years,
organizations are relying on applications such as video conferencing,
unified communications and collaboration to improve productivity and
enhance communication with customers and partners -- making a reliable
and high-performance network a key business enabler. Any disruption to
the network infrastructure can lead to lost productivity and a loss of
customer confidence and revenue. Other key challenges for the IT
organization include overpriced networking solutions that introduce
unnecessary complexity and further stress already-tight budgets, aging
hardware that can't support new business and application requirements and
the proliferation of a wide variety of mobile devices that require
always-on network access.

"In a time where many network offerings are either over-engineered,
complex and expensive, or just can't meet the current needs of the campus
environment, customers should consider alternative vendors that offer the
right level of functionality for today at a fair price -- with seamless,
non-disruptive upgrade paths for the future to extend the useful life of
your investment," said Mark Fabbi, vice president and distinguished
analyst for Gartner.

According to a recent report from Gartner, "... too many enterprises
overpay for their network solutions. Despite all efforts by network
managers to 'future-proof' their networks, too many enterprises complain
about insufficient agility and flexibility when they need to adjust to
changing business needs."(1)

Commitment to Channel Partners
With the introduction of these new
networking solutions, Brocade is reinforcing its commitment to the
channel by continuing to provide Brocade Alliance Partner Network (APN)
partners with innovative, industry-leading solutions that enable them to
offer highly reliable enterprise networking solutions to their end
customers. To provide partners with the support and resources to
effectively sell Brocade solutions, the APN program offers a broad range
of benefits, including access to Brocade technical experts via the
Implementation Help Desk and flexible use of marketing development funds,
which are intended to promote deeper levels of customer engagement and
increased profitability.

"Brocade's uniqueness lies in its ability to execute with innovation
within both the SAN Fibre Channel and Ethernet network infrastructure
realms, and its adept execution. Brocade innovations, such as 100 GbE,
Ethernet fabrics and the new Brocade ICX 6610 Switch, allow us to deliver
solutions that scale to our customers' business requirements, while
lowering their overall TCO within their data center, wired and wireless
LAN environments," said Rodney Turner, co-founder and president, Layer 3
Communications. "In today's budget-constrained world, the cost factor is
top-of-mind with end customers. Working with Brocade enables us to drive
our business forward, while staying competitive in an increasingly
crowded marketplace."

Pricing and Availability
The Brocade ICX 6610 will be available this
month directly through Brocade and its channel partners with a starting
price of $5,595 USD. The new Brocade FastIron SX Series modules will also
be available in November 2011, with a starting price of $4,495 USD.
Multi-Chassis Trunking (MCT) will be available in early 2012 for the
Brocade FastIron SX Series. As an extension to these product
introductions, Brocade is also announcing a price reduction for Brocade
FCX Series stackable switches effective immediately(2). Customers can
enjoy a price benefit on average of 20 percent for these products.

These new products and other Brocade networking solutions will also be
available through Brocade Network Subscription, which revolutionizes
network acquisition by giving customers the flexibility to scale up and
down according to actual network utilization -- with minimal risk and no
capital outlay. With Brocade Network Subscription, customers pay for
their network infrastructure on a monthly basis, allowing them to align
network capacity with actual usage and thereby reducing costs and
mitigating capital risk. Learn more at www.nonetworkcapex.com.

Other Assets
Video featuring Jason Nolet, VP, Data Center and
Enterprise Networking, Brocade, on the launch of the Brocade ICX 6610 and
other product news. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH3ye5QftpA

Video featuring Rodney Turner, President, Layer 3 Communications, on the
company's partnership with Brocade and new enterprise network solutions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW975a68JQg

2-Minute Explainer Video

http://www.brocade.com/media/brocade-icx-6610/Brocade_ICX_6610_Switch_preso.html

Social Media Tags: Brocade, LAN, Local Area Network, FastIron SX Series,
ICX 6610, campus, enterprise

About Brocade
Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) networking solutions help the
world's leading organizations transition smoothly to a world where
applications and information reside anywhere. (www.brocade.com)

Brocade, the B-wing symbol, DCX, Fabric OS, and SAN Health are registered
trademarks, and Brocade Assurance, Brocade NET Health, Brocade One,
CloudPlex, MLX, VCS, VDX, and When the Mission Is Critical, the Network
Is Brocade are trademarks of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., in the
United States and/or in other countries. Other brands, products, or
service names mentioned are or may be trademarks or service marks of
their respective owners.

(1) Gartner, "Why a Network Plan Is the Best Way to Control Your Network
Cost," October 13, 2011.
(2) The price reduction applies to purchase
orders accepted by Brocade on or after November 8, 2011.

Copyright 2011 Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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CONTACTS
Brocade Media & Analyst Relations
Katie Bromley
Tel: 408.333.0429
kbromley@brocade.com

Brocade Investor Relations
Robert Eggers
Tel: 408.333.8797
reggers@brocade.com

Copyright 2011, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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