Press Release

ADAPTEC ZERO CHANNEL RAID MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT SURGES AS HIGH-DENSITY SERVER MARKET GROWS

MILPITAS, Calif., April 1, 2002 - Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADPT), the global leader in data storage access solutions, today announced the addition of 16 motherboards to a growing list of boards from major manufacturers that support Adaptec's innovative zero channel RAID solutions. The two small form factor controllers are aimed at the market for high-density servers, which is expected to grow from annual shipments of 950,000 units in 2001 to more than 1.7 million by 2005, according to IDC. Over the same period, Gartner Dataquest forecasts a 36 percent vendor revenue CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) for the zero channel SCSI RAID card market.

The compatible motherboards incorporate advanced logic, such as Adaptec's EMRL (Embedded RAID Logic) technology, to allow the ZCR controllers to use the Adaptec SCSI channels on the motherboard, eliminating the need for channels on the cards themselves to reduce size and cost. The 64-bit/66MHz RAID cards' small form factor designs - the Adaptec SCSI RAID 2005S is no larger than a credit card - and power-efficient microprocessors make them well-suited for high-density servers.

"The compatibility of the additional motherboards with Adaptec's zero channel RAID controllers gives white box makers greater choice for system configurations and helps them secure business as competition for high-density servers continues to intensify," said Steve Cochran, director of RAID marketing for Adaptec's Storage Solutions Group. "These innovative cards are integral to our leadership as we continue to dominate the host-based SCSI RAID reseller market with 45 percent share* and drive the widespread adoption of RAID protection with our 'RAID Everywhere' initiative."

Added to the list of motherboards that have passed compatibility testing or otherwise support the Adaptec SCSI RAID 2005S and 2000S are products from Abit, Arima, EpoX, Giga-Byte, Intel, Iwill, MSI, Supermicro and Tyan. Abit, EpoX, Giga-Byte, Iwill and MSI are new to the roster of vendors now offering motherboards that support Adaptec's ZCR controllers. The additions nearly triple the number of motherboards, to 25, that are now interoperable with Adaptec's zero channel RAID solutions.

The Adaptec SCSI RAID 2000S adds nine motherboards (Giga-Byte 8IPXDR and 8IRXR, Intel SDS2, MSI E7500 Master-LS and MS-9102, Supermicro P4DL6 and P4DP6, and Tyan Thunder i7500 and HEsI-T S2688) to its interoperability list. The Intel SDS2 joins the Intel SCB2 in Adaptec zero channel RAID compatibility as listed on Intel's Hardware and Software Compatibility reports. The Adaptec SCSI RAID 2005S adds seven (Abit SI-2P, EpoX M845A, Giga-Byte 8IDXR, Iwill DX400-ASN and Supermicro P4DLR+, P4DPR+ and P3TDER).

For a complete list of motherboards that now support Adaptec's zero channel RAID controllers, please visit www.adaptec.com/go/zcr_motherboards.

"RAID Everywhere"
Adaptec's "RAID Everywhere" initiative is designed to accelerate the widespread adoption of RAID in the PC-server / high-end PC markets, in order to provide customers higher levels of data protection and greater speeds of information exchange in support of their business strategies. Key components of the plan include new product and technology developments, compatibility testing, and educational and support programs aimed at making RAID more affordable, accessible and easy-to-use.

About Adaptec
Adaptec Inc. (NASDAQ: ADPT) provides highly available storage access solutions that reliably move, manage and protect critical data and digital content. Adaptec's storage solutions are found in high-performance networks, servers, workstations and desktops from the world's leading manufacturers, and are sold through OEMs and distribution channels to ISPs, enterprises, medium and small businesses and consumers. Adaptec is an S&P SmallCap 600 Index member. More information is available at www.adaptec.com.

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