NetApp to Sell NetCache Business to Blue Coat Systems
Sunnyvale, CA - June 23, 2006 - Network
Appliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTAP), the leader in advanced networked
storage solutions, today announced that it has entered into a
definitive agreement to sell its NetCache™ business to Blue
Coat Systems. NetApp® is committed to a smooth, seamless
transition for existing NetCache customers. NetApp will continue to
provide existing customers support for their NetCache appliances
for the duration of their support contracts, and will honor
existing NetCache customer commitments. NetApp considers the
transaction to be immaterial to expectations for its business going
forward.
"NetCache and the content delivery business
have been a unique and effective sales, marketing, and technology
asset to help us grow to a $2 billion dollar company, and we are
proud of the team for the work they have accomplished," said Jay
Kidd, senior vice president and general manager of NetApp Emerging
Products Group. "This divestiture allows us to sharpen our focus on
data management solutions and services for the enterprise data
center. Over the long term, our NetCache customers will be better
served working with a supplier who has a broader offering in the
content delivery market and a strategic commitment to the Internet
access, security, and proxy market."
The transaction is expected to close within 90
days of announcement, subject to customary closing conditions.
After the close, NetApp NetCache employees
will either be offered positions at Blue Coat Systems or will be
deployed on other development programs or in new roles within
NetApp.
About Network Appliance
Network Appliance is a world leader in unified storage solutions
for today's data-intensive enterprise. Since its inception in 1992,
Network Appliance has delivered technology, product, and partner
firsts that simplify data management. Information about Network
Appliance solutions and services is available at
www.netapp.com.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under U.S.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements include the anticipated benefits to be obtained
from the Company's transition of NetCache and the content delivery
business to Blue Coat Systems, expectations regarding how the
transition will impact NetCache customers, the benefits that
NetCache customers can expect from Blue Coat after the closing of
the transaction, the expected timing of the completion of the
transition and the impact that this transaction will have on our
future financial results. These forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties, and actual results may vary significantly.
Factors that could impact our ability to achieve our goals include
the risk that we may not be able to consummate the transaction, the
risk that some NetCache customers may not react positively to our
sale of the NetCache business, the risk that the transaction could
negatively impact our sales to customers in our core businesses and
other important factors as described in Network Appliance, Inc.'s
reports and documents filed from time to time with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including our most recently submitted 10-K
and 10-Q. We disclaim any obligation to update information
contained in these forward-looking statements whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
NetApp is a registered trademark and Network Appliance and NetCache
are trademarks of Network Appliance, Inc. in the U.S. and other
countries. Blue Coat is a registered trademark of Blue Coat
Systems. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as
such.
Press Contacts:
Dave Black
Voce Communications
650-228-5163
dblack@vocecomm.com
Investor Contacts:
Tara Calhoun
Network Appliance, Inc.
(408) 822-6909
tara@netapp.com