Sun has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pirus Networks,
Inc. Pirus Networks provides multi-protocol, multi-vendor intelligent
storage networking for distributed open systems environments. This
acquisition will enable Sun to deliver one of the critical data
services components of the N1 architecture and strategy.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Sun will acquire Pirus Networks
in a stock-for-stock transaction. The acquisition is expected to close
in the second quarter of Sun's 2003 fiscal year, which ends December
29, 2002. This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions,
including approval by Pirus Networks' shareholders. Following
completion of the acquisition Pirus Networks will become a part of
Sun's Network Storage organization, which reports to Mark Canepa,
Executive Vice President.
"By integrating Pirus Networks's technology into our existing
end-to-end architecture, we are gaining the ability to create a unified
storage network, regardless of vendor. This is a key competitive
advantage and major step in delivering on our N1 strategy," said Mark
Canepa. "Pirus Networks brings to our team a wealth of experience and
knowledge that will be instrumental in helping to build on our N1
strategy of delivering easy-to-manage next-generation networks."
Sun is a major force in the multi-billion dollar storage market and a
leader in the movement toward implementing open standards in storage
systems. Drawing on its expertise with complex networked systems, Sun
is committed to delivering and supporting complete storage solutions
resulting in open, scalable and manageable storage networks.
The acquisition of Pirus Networks will allow Sun to leverage critical
technologies and expertise to converge advanced data services in a
scalable, redundant, highly available storage platform. Pirus Networks'
technologies help customers vastly reduce the complexity of their
storage networks, boost operational efficiency, and significantly lower
the overall cost of storage ownership. Pirus Networks is creating a new
category of intelligent storage networking systems that are designed to
reduce storage ownership costs and streamline data management.
"For over two decades, Sun has been the leader in networked computing
and with the N1 strategy, Sun is well positioned to continue to lead
the industry," said Rich Napolitano, president and CEO of Pirus
Networks. "Pirus Networks has been successful in developing a set of
intelligent storage networking technologies that are a perfect
complement to Sun's N1 strategy."
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